In the past, we used to transfer data, sync contacts, and backup critical files by using some primitive methods such as a USB cable, flash drive, and Bluetooth. The things have changed now, and the users are used to advanced file sharing and syncing methods over the wireless networks. There are many softwares which facilitate the users in transferring files, syncing messages, and overall controlling the whole smartphone via a browser. AirDroid is such an example that enables cross-platform sync of messages, files, and other details from the smartphone.
What is AirDroid?
AirDroid offers a full brochure of features which allows the users to manage their smartphone from a computer using the web or desktop interface. It can do more than just syncing messages and device’s content on other machines. AirDroid can cast the media, send device notifications to PC, backup and install apps, transfer files, copy and paste links from Android devices, and mirror smartphone display to any other connected device.
How AirDroid Works?
AirDroid use WiFi network to transfer files from one device to another. It can also connect via an internet connection, but there are certain limitations. If the user is remotely away from the device then he/she will need a standard internet connection to make it work flawlessly. If you are using the internet connection service, then it will sync content via the server. All the graphics content that we see while using the app is retrieved from the application using the http server.
List of AirDroid Alternatives
AirDroid carries all the necessary features, but due to recent concerns over security, the users are looking for alternatives to the service. Even though a few users are quite dissatisfied with some bloatware issues that were sprawled to the top affecting the AirDroid’s authority. The AirDroid’s inability to transfer specific files are also a reason for the users looking for its alternatives. However, there are plenty of other options to AirDroid that can be used to control the smartphone remotely. Let’s see similar softwares to AirDroid:
PushBullet
PushBullet is a comprehensive software package consisting of all the features such as text message sending and receiving, syncing notifications from popular apps such as WhatsApp, phone calls and text messages, follow topics and post links from your smartphone to desktop, etc. It even allows users to chat with friends easily across all your devices and make sharing more convenient. Like AirDroid, it can also send files between different devices quickly, and files can be opened straight from the notifications. Pushbullet supports almost every OS environment and browser, including Android, iOS, Windows, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Pushbullet service is available in two different packages – a free plan and a pro plan, which costs $4.99. The free service offers transfers upto 2GB, and a maximum file size of 25MB is allowed. There’s a limit of 100 messages per month in the free plan with a mirror phone’s notification ability. However, if you opt for the Pro plan, then you will get unlimited messages support, mirrored notification action support, and universal copy & paste feature. The paid users also get 100GB storage space with a maximum file size of upto 1GB.
AirMore
AirMore is a neck-to-neck competitor of AirDroid. However, it misses some features of AirDroid but carries almost every critical function making it a great contender for replacement. AirMore gives the capability to transfer files, messages, and sync notifications from smartphone to PC. Users can even play media from the device using the inbuilt music player.
Xender
It is the best-rated AirDrop alternative available for both Android and iOS devices. Primarily, it is a file transfer app that can share any type of file, including photos, documents, music, videos, and apps without any mobile usage. It is an easy way to transfer files between two devices without any Bluetooth or NFC usage.
[01/11, 19:10] atb1786: Windows Phone Companion
It was launched with a recent Windows 10 upgrade. It is the best companion app for Windows users. Windows Phone Companion can easily mirror Android’s text message, Skype notifications, and browser notifications. Microsoft is upgrading the app to bring support for social chat messengers such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
It even syncs the phone gallery to show camera images. It automatically connects once user boots the Windows PC. An app named “You Phone – Windows Companion” is available for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms.
