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Why does the new Phone Link expanded view show black bars on my apps?
Microsoft Tests Native-Like Scaling for Android Apps
Microsoft is addressing a long-standing usability friction within Phone Link by testing a new “Expanded” view mode. This update targets the “Apps” feature, which allows users to stream Android applications directly to a Windows 11 desktop. Currently available primarily on select devices from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, VIVO, and Xiaomi, this feature has historically suffered from rigid aspect ratios.
The primary update in version 1.25112.33.0 is a dedicated toggle located near the window controls. This function attempts to solve the “vertical strip” problem, where mobile apps mirror their phone aspect ratio on desktop monitors. This limitation often renders apps tiny and difficult to navigate on high-resolution 2K or 4K displays. Previously, users relied on cumbersome workarounds, such as forcing their physical phone into landscape mode to trigger a wider desktop view.
The “Expanded” View Experience and Limitations
While this feature aims to improve visibility, the results vary significantly based on how the original Android application handles responsive design.
The Optimization Gap
The “Expanded” mode does not force code-level changes on the Android app; it merely stretches the container.
- Non-Optimized Apps: Applications designed strictly for vertical mobile use, such as Uber, struggle in this mode. While the window widens, the app content remains centered, resulting in significant black bars on both sides. The usable screen real estate barely increases.
- Tablet-Optimized Apps: Apps that support dynamic resizing, such as VLC or WhatsApp, benefit the most. These applications detect the wider container and adjust their layout to utilize the available desktop space effectively.
Visual Fidelity Concerns
A critical trade-off in this current build is visual clarity. Because Phone Link relies on video streaming rather than native emulation, expanding the window simply stretches the video feed. This process often degrades image quality, resulting in hazy fonts and softer UI elements compared to the sharp, native appearance of the default view.
Interface Quirks
The user interface currently exhibits beta behavior. The expanded window defaults to a left alignment on the monitor and lacks a true full-screen option. Users hoping for a seamless, edge-to-edge Android experience will find the current alignment restrictive.
Summary of Recent Fixes
Beyond the visual changes, Microsoft has restored essential administrative functionality. The latest update reintroduces the “Remove” device option, a critical setting that had been inexplicably absent for several months. This restoration allows for cleaner management of linked devices within the ecosystem.