Samsung is quietly phasing out its DeX app in favor of Microsoft's Phone Link app, a move that will take effect with the upcoming One UI 7 update. According to a footnote on Samsung's UK website, the DeX PC app "will end support from One UI 7 version," with users encouraged to use the Link to Windows feature instead to access similar functionality.

The DeX app, which allows users to mirror their phone screen to a PC and easily transfer files between devices, will be replaced by Microsoft's Phone Link app, which offers similar features. This move is not entirely surprising, given the close collaboration between Samsung and Microsoft in recent years. The two companies have worked together to develop a seamless Android linking experience on Windows, making Microsoft's Phone Link app a natural replacement for DeX.

The change will take effect with the One UI 7 update, which is expected to debut in beta form later this month. Samsung initially teased One UI 7 during its developer conference last month, promising a developer beta before the end of the year. While details about the update are still scarce, leaks earlier this year suggested that a beta was originally supposed to launch sooner. The upcoming redesign has already been showcased in a video on Samsung's Spanish website, highlighting features such as smoother animations, a revamped Quick Panel, and a pill-shaped live activities feature reminiscent of Apple's Dynamic Island.

In addition to the design overhaul, One UI 7 is also expected to include a range of new AI-powered features. While Samsung has not officially confirmed the details of these features, they are likely to enhance the overall user experience and provide more personalized functionality. The shift towards Microsoft's Phone Link app, however, marks a significant change in Samsung's approach to Android linking on Windows, and may signal a deeper collaboration between the two companies in the future.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the Android ecosystem as a whole. As Samsung and Microsoft continue to work together, it will be interesting to see how their partnership evolves and what new features and functionality emerge as a result. For now, users of the DeX app will need to adapt to the new Phone Link app, which promises to offer a similar, if not identical, experience.

In the broader context, this move highlights the ongoing trend towards greater collaboration and integration between tech giants. As companies like Samsung and Microsoft continue to work together, we can expect to see more seamless and intuitive experiences emerge across different platforms and devices. The question remains, however, what this means for the future of Android and the role of Samsung within the ecosystem.