The partnership between Microsoft and Samsung goes way back. It has always given a preference to Galaxy phones. Earlier it was through pre-installed Microsoft apps. Later it also led to the special integration with Windows 10. Now Microsoft has introduced new versions of its apps which are foldable-friendly designed specifically for Samsung’s new foldable phones.
The foldable phones feature two virtual areas on the same screen. This doesn’t simply mean a larger screen. It provides a new user experience. Due to the small number of foldable phones in the market, there are very few apps that try to use this virtual space wisely. Now Microsoft, mainly due to its close connection with Samsung, has provided its foldable phones with foldable-friendly design on its apps. A total of three apps now take the advantage of Galaxy Z Fold 3’s screen.
This is made possible mainly through Android’s native split-screen feature. It allows two apps to run simultaneously. Patrick Chomet who is the executive vice president, head of Mobile Products & Experiences at Samsung says that “With the Multi-Active window, you can run multiple apps at the same time.” Adding to this Microsoft Teams will now show attendees at the bottom panel and will have a full-screen presentation at the top. Outlook will allow reading of a full email on one side and the other side will preview emails.
It is very likely that the newly released Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be soon made compatible with the Windows 10 Your Phone features. We can expect that more apps will take advantage of the screen design of the foldable phones following Microsoft’s path.
