Windows 11 Introduces AI-Powered Suggestions for Android Messages via Phone Link, Now Rolling Out
Microsoft has announced an update for the Phone Link app in Windows 11, introducing a new feature known as “Suggested replies.” This feature leverages Microsoft’s advanced cloud AI models to automatically generate responses when you receive text messages from friends or family.
Windows Latest uncovered the “Suggested replies” functionality in Phone Link version 1.24082.137.0, compatible with Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2. Users do not need to enroll in the Windows Insider Program to experience this AI-enhanced messaging feature; however, it may take some time for the feature to be fully available to everyone as it is still being rolled out.
The Phone Link app primarily allows users to view messages from their mobile devices directly on their PCs, providing a seamless experience, particularly for Galaxy smartphone owners. The newly introduced “Suggested replies” feature employs AI to offer text suggestions that appear above the messaging input area when a text message is received.
As illustrated in the provided screenshot, Windows 11 displays up to three concise and contextually relevant suggested replies. Microsoft’s cloud-based AI analyzes your messages, comprehends the context and intent behind them, and generates appropriate responses, allowing users to reply effortlessly with a single click.
It’s important to note that AI-generated suggestions do not appear in every conversation. They are shown only when Phone Link’s AI is capable of grasping the context and can generate an appropriate brief reply. If the incoming message is excessively lengthy, suggestions won’t appear, as the AI is designed to handle brief texts exclusively. Furthermore, AI functionality is disabled if a URL is detected or if you receive a one-time password (OTP) message. Microsoft can detect inappropriate content within messages, thus it may choose not to display suggestions in those cases.
“Content must align with Microsoft’s AI standards,” the company stated while outlining this guideline.
Does Microsoft AI access your messages on Android?
In testing conducted by Windows Latest, it was discovered that the feature is enabled by default; however, users have the option to opt-out during the initial setup. Microsoft clarifies that its AI is not trained on user messages.
When the AI-powered suggested replies feature is activated, your recent text messages, both new and old, are automatically uploaded to Microsoft’s services to generate contextually appropriate suggestions within the conversation.
Microsoft has been testing AI-generated message suggestions for Android devices for some time and conducted internal pre-release tests to ensure the feature’s reliability.
“We depend on customer feedback when the suggested replies fail to meet user expectations,” remarked Microsoft. “The AI system was assessed through both manual reviews and automated tools, utilizing a standardized set of test content to evaluate performance,” although the specific testing methods were not detailed.
Microsoft’s internal audit reveals that the AI suggested replies feature has received largely positive feedback from early users. Based on this independent review, the company has decided to make the feature available for all users starting this week.
Despite the extensive evaluation, Microsoft cautions that AI may still produce inaccuracies and that suggested replies may not always be relevant. It’s advisable to verify that the AI-generated suggestions align with the intended message before using them in conversations.
A feedback option is available, allowing users to share their thoughts with Microsoft. This feedback is being used proactively to enhance Phone Link and its AI integration.
If you prefer not to have Microsoft AI access your Android messages, you can disable this feature within Phone Link Settings.
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