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Here’s how you can easily get iOS 8.1’s best new features on your Android phone

Published Oct 21st, 2014 10:21AM EDT
iOS 8.1 Vs Android
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Apple finally released iOS 8.1 to the public on Monday, and OS X Yosemite was released late last week to Mac users. That means that after months of waiting, users who own both a Mac computer and an iPhone can finally enjoy the complete Continuity experience that Apple first showed off this past June during WWDC. We’ve been using and enjoying Continuity with our iPhone but the recent release of iOS 8.1 is a great reminder that Android users have had this type of functionality for years now thanks to one great free app.

DON’T MISS: 10 secret things you had no idea your Android phone could do

As we noted just last month, an solution app from a developer called Sand Studio called AirDroid does just about everything Apple’s Continuity solution can do and more. Here’s the app’s description from its page in the Google Play store:

Manage your Android devices on the web, all over the air.
– No USB cable required.
– No driver installation required.
– Same WiFi network or Internet.
– Pure web app, works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Linux.
Simply install AirDroid on your Android and you’ll be able to enjoy the following features on your computer at web.airdroid.com:
– SMS: send and receive individual or group messages.
– Apps: Import and export .apk files.
– Files: Manage files on Android and transferring files between Android and computer.
– Photos: View and manage photos on Android and transferring photos between Android and computer.
– Music & Videos: Play and manage music & videos on Android and transferring them between Android and computer.
– Ringtones: Set music as ringtone and export any ringtone.
– Contacts: View and edit all the contacts.
– Screenshot: View the real time screen of Android devices, take static screenshots. (root required)
– Camera: See through the lens of both front and back camera, also supports flashlight.
– URL: Push url to Android and open automatically open it with Android browser.
– Clipboard: Share clipboard content between Android and computer.
There are also some very useful features on the Android client, including WiFi tethering, file manager, task manager, etc.
AirDroid philosophies:
– One less cable.
You should be able to connect different devices wirelessly, without the hassles of USB cables.
– One less screen.
You should be able to work or play with one screen, without being distracted by other screens.
– One less worry.
You should be able to locate your Android devices any time, any where, and wipe all personal data if it’s lost.

The free version of AirDroid is incredibly useful, and then a paid premium subscription ($1.99 per month, $19.99 per year or $38.99 every two years) adds even more value.

Download AirDroid

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.