Microsoft is developing a new “Cross Device Resume” feature for Windows 11 that mimics Apple’s Handoff capability in macOS. This feature was showcased during a Microsoft Build 2025 session, but the demo, which displayed a mobile Spotify session resuming on a PC, was later removed.
Aakash Varshney, a senior product manager for cross-device experiences at Microsoft, explained, “When you open the app on your mobile device or tablet, Windows can display a subtle badge on your app’s taskbar icon.” This badge serves as a visual prompt; when clicked, it launches the app directly into the task, facilitating a seamless transition from PC to phone.
ICYMT: SSNIT Pushes for Wider Consultation on Retirement Age
The now-deleted demo featured a Spotify app icon with a badge, along with a message stating, “resume, recently opened on your mobile device.” This design allows users to pick up their Spotify session on PC right where they left off on mobile. Varshney noted, “Spotify launches, and I’m instantly back to the same song, now playing on my PC. There’s no need to search or start over—it’s a smooth one-click transition that keeps the music and user experience uninterrupted.”
Microsoft initially tested an app handoff feature in Windows 10 back in 2016, known as Project Rome. This initiative aimed to help developers create apps that could seamlessly operate across multiple devices. However, there has been limited adoption of Project Rome, so there is hope that the new Cross Device Resume feature will see broader implementation.
SOURCE: THE VERGE
