Intel to Cease Operations of Unison App Linking Android Devices to PCs

Intel to Cease Operations of Unison App Linking Android Devices to PCs

Intel to Cease Operations of Unison App Linking Android Devices to PCs

Intel Unison: An Impressive Application for Managing Android Devices from Your PC — But Not for Much Longer

This app is an excellent method for managing Android devices using your computer.

Intel Unison interface on PC and Android device
(Image credit: Intel)

What Was Intel Unison?

Intel Unison was a cost-free, robust Windows application crafted to link Android devices with Windows PCs. Debuting as a seamless connectivity tool, it enabled users to operate and engage with their Android smartphones and tablets right from their computers. Featuring capabilities like file sharing, management of calls and texts, and the ability to use an Android tablet as a supplementary display, Unison rapidly gained popularity among productivity aficionados.

Key Features of Intel Unison

  • Cross-Platform Connectivity: Unison supported Android smartphones and tablets, as well as iOS devices, facilitating connections to Windows 11 PCs.
  • Text and Call Integration: Users had the ability to send and receive SMS messages and conduct phone calls directly from their PCs using their Android devices.
  • File and Photo Transfer: Unison allowed for drag-and-drop functionality to transfer files, pictures, and documents between devices.
  • Tablet as a Second Display: Android tablets could serve wirelessly as an additional monitor, amplifying multitasking and productivity.

Why Intel Unison Was Exceptional

Although Microsoft’s Phone Link app provides comparable features, numerous users considered Intel Unison to be more powerful and intuitive. It presented a cleaner interface, broader device compatibility, and extra functionalities such as external display support — a feature currently absent in Phone Link.

Discontinuation Announcement

Even with its acclaim, Intel has declared that Unison will be phased out by June 30, 2025. This announcement was confirmed via updates on the listings in the Microsoft Store, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. Intel attributed the app’s discontinuation to a strategic realignment.

As per the revised Microsoft Store listing:

“Intel Unison will soon be discontinued. The initial move in its winding down process will be the cessation of service for most platforms by the end of June 2025. Lenovo Aura platforms will maintain service through 2025.”

System Requirements and Compatibility

Intel Unison necessitated a Windows 11 PC running version 22H2 or later. While it was fine-tuned for Intel Evo devices equipped with 12th Gen or newer Intel Core processors, it was also operable on non-Intel machines, rendering it accessible to a wider audience.

What’s Next for Users?

As Unison approaches its end, users will need to seek alternative options for connecting their Android devices to their PCs. The most notable substitute is Microsoft Phone Link, which is continually evolving and now features capabilities like photo syncing, messaging, and notification mirroring.

Microsoft Phone Link interface
Phone Link will now become the primary option for connecting your Android phone to your PC. (Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Looking Ahead

Though the discontinuation of Intel Unison is disheartening for many, it embodies the ever-changing landscape of technology ecosystems. As HP mentioned in a recent blog entry:

“HP continues to be dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that assist users in remaining productive across numerous devices and platforms. While particular connectivity solutions may evolve over time, the