What you need to know

  • Samsung's DeX is coming to PCs as an app.
  • The DeX app will let you drag and drop files between devices and interact with mobile apps on your PC.
  • Samsung announced the new app alongside the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+.

At its Unpacked event today, Samsung announced that it is bringing a DeX app to PC and Mac alongside the new Galaxy Note 10. The app will act as a way for your phone and PC to communicate with one another, including dragging and dropping files and interacting with mobile apps.

From Samsung:

Galaxy Note10 extends Samsung DeX's capabilities, making it easier for you to work between your phone and a PC or Mac. With a simple, compatible USB connection, you can drag and drop files between devices and use your favorite mobile apps with a mouse and a keyboard, while keeping your data secure on the phone through Samsung Knox.

In addition to the DeX app, Samsung says you'll be able to "link to Windows" directly from the Galaxy Note 10's Quick Panel. Once linked, you'll be able to see notifications, messages, and look at recent photos without having to pick up your phone. Later this year, Microsoft says you'll also be able to make and receive phone calls from your PC.

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This feature relies on Microsoft's Your Phone features built into Windows 10. That's not wouldn't a surprising development, as Samsung's Galaxy phones were among the first to be supported by Your Phone. Still, it's a convenient feature to have built directly into the Quick Panel.

Noteworthy

Galaxy Note 10/10+

Samsung's latest Galaxy Note phone

These powerful smartphones feature an impressive amount of internal storage and come with a pair of USB-C headphones. The S Pen gives you more control with handwritten notes, air gestures, and photo editing.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

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