Marvin is a Features Author for Android Police. His media career began as an editorial assistant at a now-defunct print publication. He has since transitioned to digital media as an editor, attended technology events in over 10 countries, and earned his master's degree in journalism.
He enjoys film photography, outdoor running, and alternative coffee brewing during his leisure time.
While waiting for Googlebooks to mature before purchasing a unit for myself, I'm using a traditional Windows-Android setup.
I'm happy with this combination for now. I already have a Googlebook-like configuration thanks to some helpful apps.
I normally use Quick Share for wirelessly transferring files between my laptop and phones, while using Microsoft Phone Link as a bridge for everything else.
I recently found an open source app that could do these functions better than the Google and Microsoft apps combined. Don't worry, it doesn't require creating yet another online account.
Ridding myself of Google and Microsoft's shackles
Open source is the way to go
Although I could stick with Microsoft Phone Link as an all-in-one app and call it a day, I preferred Quick Share as my primary file-sharing software. Quick Share is built into Android, and it allows me to send files to my laptop from any phone, not only those with my Google account logged in.
Enter KDE Connect. It's a free open source app that's available on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux. Its cross-platform compatibility is broader than Microsoft Phone Link and Quick Share combined.
More importantly, KDE Connect doesn't demand an online account to function. I can link multiple phones to its Windows app without creating individual profiles. At the same time, I could connect several desktop PCs and laptops to my Android phone.
Setting up KDE Connect is simple: install the app on your chosen devices, connect them to the same Wi-Fi network, and link them up through the app's home screen. Because of KDE Connect's vast feature set, it requires several Android permissions to access your files, notifications, and clipboard, among others.
KDE Connect uses a persistent push notification on Android to indicate its ongoing connection to another device. You can turn this off in either the KDE Connect app's main settings or your Android root notifications menu.
KDE Connect is more than just a file sharing app
It lets my laptop and phone communicate full time
KDE Connect is loaded with features. My favorite is notification syncing and replying. When my phone receives notifications, I can read them and reply from my laptop. It keeps me from checking my phone every time it vibrates.
In relation to that, KDE Connect lets me share a single clipboard between my phone and laptop. When I copy text on my Windows PC, it's automatically sent to my Android, and vice versa. It's a massive time-saver while multitasking.
File sharing is another highlight. KDE Connect's implementation makes Quick Share essentially obsolete to me. It's straightforward: pick a file on Android and send it to Windows, and it appears in the Downloads folder. The same steps apply for Windows to Android, no PIN or QR codes needed.
The most interesting feature is remote input. KDE Connect can turn my Android phone into a mouse and keyboard, multimedia controller, or presentation remote for my laptop. Although I haven't found much use for them, I discovered another secondary purpose for my spare Android devices.
Disable plugins you don't need within KDE Connect's plugin settings. For instance, if you don't use the presentation remote on your Android, turn it off to save battery.
It's not plug-and-play
You must do the setup
The downside of using an open source app is the learning curve. KDE Connect doesn't hold your hand after installing the app. Conversely, Microsoft Phone Link guides you through setup and, annoyingly, reminds you of new features every time there's a software update.
KDE Connect was originally built for Linux; the Windows version was released only a few years ago. Its user interface still feels very much like other Linux software and looks out of place compared to most Windows and Android apps.
KDE Connect's design isn't my biggest issue, however. Its network dependency is the bigger problem while traveling. Because the app requires both devices to be on the same local Wi-Fi network, using KDE Connect on the go is a hassle. Configuring a separate mobile hotspot is the simplest workaround.
One open source app to replace them all
Like other open source apps, KDE Connect takes some time to set up and get used to. When installed, you have to do most of the work to make it work flawlessly.
The main advantage of open source apps is continuous development. KDE Connect's developers listen to user feedback and read bug reports, which are addressed in future updates.
KDE Connect has become a staple in my Windows-Android setup. It doesn't have the same seamlessness between a Googlebook and Android, but it's better than paying $1,000 for a new laptop.