{
  "id": 14963328,
  "title": "The best Windows features aren’t made by Microsoft, and that’s the problem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/the-best-windows-features-arent-made-by-microsoft-and-thats-the",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-16T13:00:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/the-best-windows-features-arent-made-by-microsoft-and-thats-the-problem/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When reviewing various Windows laptops for a review, the reviewer has become familiar with the distinct features each brand brings to the table. During a recent review of the Lenovo Yoga 9i, the reviewer discovered several \"Aura Edition\" features that Windows does not have built-in, such as tapping to pair Bluetooth accessories or tapping a phone on the display to quickly share a photo. The reviewer believes that some of the best integrations Windows has to offer have nothing to do with Microsoft, but rather with the various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These OEMs consistently introduce useful features into their technology and incorporate them into Windows, but it would be better if these features were more closely integrated with the OS. The Smart Share feature is one example of a set of features Lenovo ships on its Aura Edition laptops. Smart Share allows users to tap supported accessories, such as earphones, headsets, or mice, against the display, and a prompt appears for confirmation, making the connection process faster and more seamless than stock Windows. Additionally, the Yoga Pen feels great to use, and the Yoga PC headphones sound excellent thanks to Lenovo's collaboration with Bose. However, the reviewer has experienced times when extra software was required to utilize these accessories to their full potential. Both the Smart Share and Aura Smart Modes features require the installation and running of Lenovo's software, which can be frustrating as these apps are sometimes seen as opportunities for ad placement and displaying other services. The reviewer hopes that these applications would be less intrusive and more seamlessly integrated into Windows. Fragmentation is another issue with these features, as they are limited to specific models and accessories from certain OEMs. This feature fragmentation can make it difficult for users to mix and match devices within the Windows ecosystem. However, Windows has a history of providing solutions, even if they come slowly. Swift Pair, introduced in Windows 10 version 1803, is an example of a connection prompt that appears when a compatible accessory enters pairing mode, similar to Tap to Pair. Cross-Device Resume allows users to pick up tasks from certain Android phones on their PC, further demonstrating Microsoft's attempts to improve integration. The reviewer suggests that Microsoft should take control of these features and provide a standard connection prompt that works across all brands' laptops, with accessory makers supplying the sensing. This would not only improve the user experience but also free up OEMs from building their own pairing systems, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their devices.",
  "summary": "Microsoft has an advantage that it refuses to leverage in its OEMs",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Hardware",
        "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra review: RTX Spark in a straight-up beautiful Windows PC",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/microsoft-surface-laptop-ultra-review-rtx-spark-in-a-straight-up",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ars Technica",
        "title": "The Surface Laptop Ultra delivers on most of Microsoft's promises",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/the-surface-laptop-ultra-delivers-on-most-of-microsofts-promises",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:00:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Computerworld",
        "title": "Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra: NVIDIA RTX Spark means business",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/microsoft-surface-laptop-ultra-nvidia-rtx-spark-means-business",
        "published": "2026-10-16T12:01:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}