If you are someone who uses Apple and Samsung devices simultaneously, you would be happy to know that iCloud Photos integration is coming soon to Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system. During the Surface 2022 launch last night, Microsoft announced that users would soon be able to browse their iCloud Photo library natively on Windows devices.
Microsoft is bringing iCloud Photo integration to the stock Photos app on Windows 11. It means that you can browse your iCloud Photo library on your Samsung laptop running the Windows 11 operating system. Currently, doing the same would require you to install the iCloud for Windows app, and the experience is far from good. The beta version of this new feature is now available to members of the Windows Insider program, and the stable release is expected to happen sometime early next year.
On a side note, Apple is also bringing Apple Music and Apple TV+ apps to the Windows platform. It means that you can use Apple Music and Apple TV+ via native apps on your Samsung laptop running Windows 10 or Windows 11. You can already stream multimedia content from your Apple device to your Samsung smart TV via AirPlay 2. You can also stream content via Apple Music and Apple TV+ on your Samsung smart TV through their apps.
With Apple broadening the reach of its services, it has become easier for consumers to use devices from multiple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Tizen. Samsung is also integrating its SmartThings service with Google Home using Matter. Looking at all these integrations, it looks like brands are finally ready to open their walled gardens a bit for the benefit of users.
