Up until recently, there was no easy option for an iPhone to communicate with a Windows PC. Making Windows users switch to Mac but that changes now. As Intel has taken the responsibility to bridge this gap with their Intel Unison app. So what is Intel Unison, how does it work and how can you connect your Windows PC to an iPhone and Android? Well, discuss all that and more in this article. Meanwhile, you can learn to connect your Mac and Android with ADB.
What is Intel Unison?
Intel Unison is an app that lets you connect your Windows PC with an iPhone or an Android device. The app works similarly to the ‘Link to Windows’ app. But unlike Link to Windows (Phone Link) app which works exclusively with Android devices, Intel Unison is designed to work with both Android and iOS devices.
The app is still in its early stages but for now, it seems to be running completely stable with most of the features working as intended.
It was announced back in September 2022, after Intel acquired Screenovate which developed a similar app called ‘Dell Mobile Connect’ which was exclusive to Dell PCs. But now Intel has made the app available for all Windows users.
Features of Intel Unison
Intel Unison helps to bring all the important information from your smartphone to your desktop. You can transfer files from your smartphone, view the gallery, read and reply to texts and notifications, along with making and receiving phone calls all on your Windows PC. Let us learn more about each of its features.
File transfer
With Unison, you can send files to your Android or iOS device and vice versa. All you have to do is select the file you want to transfer and that’s it.
The File transfer option is located as the first item in the left side panel. As for the transfer speeds, they are pretty decent as well. I was able to send a 3.3 GB file from my PC to my phone in a couple of minutes.
Gallery
Another useful feature is the Gallery option. This lets you view all the images, videos, and other albums saved on your smartphone. You can play videos directly on your Windows system if you wish to.
The thing I enjoyed the most was being able to download photos directly to my computer. You can also upload photos from the PC to your iPhone or Android device.
Messages
Next on the list is Messages. This is a major accessibility feature as it allows you to read your text messages and reply to them. You also have the option to start a new text conversation without grabbing your smartphone.
Calls
Making and receiving calls on your Windows desktop is also made possible with Intel Unison. If you have provided the required permissions, you can view your contact list on the Unison app directly.
But unlike the ‘Link to Windows app’, you cannot view previous call logs. Besides that, you will be able to spot a dial pad next to the contact list if you want to dial an emergency number.
Notifications
Last but not least, you get to view, read and react to your notifications. All the Whatsapp messages and DMs will appear in this section. You can reply to them directly or mark them as read.
Whenever you receive a notification, your PC will display a pop-up, which can be disabled if it gets too annoying.
Requirements to Run Intel Unison on Windows and Android/iOS
Even though Intel’s website still labels the Unison app as coming soon, it is already available for download. However, since the app is in its early stages, it runs on only compatible devices. Below we have mentioned a list of requirements to use Intel Unison.
- Android: Running on Android version 9 or above.
- iPhone: Running on iOS 15 or above.
- Windows: Running on Windows 11. (Windows 10 is currently not supported)
- Windows should be on the latest 22H2 stable build. (Devices with 21H2 are not supported)
- Desktop and laptops with Intel 13th gen CPU are recommended. However, it runs well on devices with Intel 8th gen and above. Might be able to work on PCs with AMD CPUs as well.
The last one isn’t a must I was able to use this app on my laptop with Intel 10th gen CPU. The only requirement seems to be Windows 11 with the 22H2 update and the version number should be 22621.0 or later.
How to Install and Set Up Intel Unison
Now that we have discussed the app’s overview, features, and system requirements, it is time to discuss how you can install the app and try it out for yourself. We have provided the download links for the Intel Unison app below and it is free to download on each platform.
Download Intel Unison:| Android | iOS
Steps to Set Up Intel Unison on Windows 11
Note that for the app to work, it needs to be installed on both the PC and smartphone. Once you have installed the app from the given links, follow the steps below to set it up on your device.
1. Download the Intel Unison App for Windows from the Microsoft App Store. (Link provided above)
2. Once installed, launch the app, and click on Accept & Continue to accept the terms and privacy policy.
3. On the next page, click on Allow.
4. Next, scan the QR code with your smartphone using the Intel Unison app downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play Store.
An eight-digit code will be displayed on your smartphone and desktop screen.
5. Verify that the codes match and click on Confirm to proceed.
If the displayed code is not the same then select Scan QR code again.
6. Approve permissions requested on the smartphone app, to start using Intel Unison on your Windows PC.
Steps to Set Up Intel Unison on Android
Now, that we have seen the setup process on Windows, here are the steps to download and connect your Android device to Windows using Intel Unison.
1. Download the Intel Unison app for Android from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and, tap on Accept & continue to proceed.
3. Select Allow to share crash data and statistics with developers.
4. Now, tap on Let’s go to begin the setup process.
5. Next, Allow all the required permissions for the app to work.
6. On the next screen, tap on the Scan QR Code button.
7. Scan the QR code shown on your computer screen.
A string of 8-digit codes will be displayed on both devices. Verify to make sure it is the same code and Confirm it on your PC.
8. Next, you will see a prompt for Nearby Device permission. Tap on Allow.
9. Enable Bluetooth and connect the app to your PC.
10. Again, tap on Allow to grant notifications access.
11. Finally, Tap on Get Started to conclude the setup process.
Now your Android device will be connected to your Windows PC via the Intel Unison app, and you can use the app to send and receive files.
Set Up Intel Unison on iPhone or iPad
Similar to Android, the process to set up Intel Unison on iOS is pretty easy, simply follow the below-mentioned step to set it up on iPhone or iPad.
1. Download the Intel Unison app from the Apple App Store.
2. Once installed, open the app and tap on Accept & continue to proceed.
3. Again, tap on Allow to share statistics data with developers.
4. On the next screen, tap on Let’s go to start the setup process.
5. Next, Allow permissions for Contacts, Photos, Local Networks, and Bluetooth.
6. On the next screen, tap on the Scan QR code button.
7. Now, Scan the QR code shown on your computer display.
8. Match and verify the code displayed on your phone and PC.
9. Tap on Pair and then Allow to connect your iPhone to Windows PC.
10. Once both devices are connected, tap on Let’s get started to complete the process.
Now your iOS or iPadOS device will be connected to your Windows PC via the Intel Unison app, and you can use the app to send and receive files.
How to Transfer and Recieve Files with Intel Unison
Now comes the important part, i.e., to show you how to transfer files between your iPhone, Android, and Windows devices. So let us take a look.
Transfer Files from iPhone or Android to Windows
The steps to transfer files from Android or iOS to Windows will be the same for Android phones and iPhones.
1. Launch the Intel Unison app on your phone, and make sure it is connected to your PC.
2. Tap on Send icon as shown below.
3. Now, choose between the Camera and Files options.
4. Next, Select the file you want to transfer.
5. You can find the items sent to your PC, under the Sent tab.
Thats it! You will start receiving the file on your Windows computer.
Transfer Files from Windows PC to iPhone or Android
Now let us look at the process to transfer files from Windows to your Android or iOS smartphones via the Intel Unison app.
1. Make sure the Intel Unison app is opened on both devices.
2. Go to the Transfer tab from the left sidebar.
3. Here, click on the Add files… button.
4. Now, Select the files you wish to transfer and click on Open.
This will begin the transfer process, and the files will be sent to your phone.
FAQs
Q: What are the System Requirements to run Intel Unison?
A: To use Intel Unison, your computer should run on Intel 8th gen CPU or later. You need to have the Windows 11 22H2 update installed, and the version number should be 22621.0 or later.
Q: Can I Use Intel Unison on Windows 10?
A: No. As of the current build, Intel Unison does not work with Windows 10. You need to be running Windows 11 to use Intel Unison.
Q: Does Intel Unison Also Works with Android?
A: Yes. The Intel Unison app is available for both Android and iOS. You can use it to connect your Android phone to Windows PC.
Q: Can I Sideload Intel Unison to connect Windows with my iPhone?
A: Yes. Intel Unison can be sideloaded on your Windows desktop.
Q: Does Intel Unison work with iPhone?
A: Yes. The Intel Unison app is designed to help you connect your iPhone to Windows PC. You can also connect other iOS devices using Intel Unison.
Q: Is Intel Unison Available for macOS?
A: No. As of now, Intel Unison is not available for macOS and does not work with the platform.
Q: How to Use iPhone With Windows Like Apple Ecosystem?
A: You can use the Intel Unison app, on both Windows and iPhone to create a Mac and iPhone-like ecosystem. Follow our detailed guide above to learn how to do it.
Wrapping Up
So far, the app has proven to be relatively stable and reliable. I did not run into any issues with the app while using it. Since its release, the app has been capturing headlines for breaking the Apple ecosystem. Though that might not be the case for now, it is still a welcome initiative. Do let us know if you have any queries related to the article, and stay tuned on GadgetsToUse for more such articles and How-Tos.
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