AirDroid Personal 4.2.9.5

Overview

AirDroid - Android on Computer is a wireless-enabled application for the Android mobile operating system which helps users on the web, or with a Windows or Mac computer to “talk” with their Android device. This software is the Android app which gets installed directly to the Android operating system either via an APK file or via the Google Play Store app page.

The Android application is setup to be able to receive connections over the web or from their AirDroid Windows or Mac app to conduct operations between the systems. Files can be sent from the Android device over to a Windows or Mac computer or from the desktop to the Android device. A mobile hotspot or a 3G or 4G LTE connection can be tethered using an option within the AirDroid Android app rather than fumbling through the pull-down system tray.

Using a web address or IP address, it is possible to connect to the Android device over the internet securely much like a remote support software package does. There is no need to plug in a USB cable between the Windows or Mac computer and the Android device in order to make a connection or transfer files between devices any longer. The AirDroid Desktop screen on Android shows both what actions like file transfers have been completed recently and also what actions are still ongoing.

The Android screen on the phone can also be mirrored across to the desktop computer and controlled by the desktop user in real-time. Incoming calls can be seen, answered and a call completed on the desktop without even having to pick up the Android device to do so. SMS text messages can be received, viewed, responded to, and archived or deleted directly from the desktop too. Phone notifications can also be viewed without the need to pull down the notifications tray on the Android device. This saves a lot of hassle juggling devices all day long.

Installation

The AirDroid app for Android can either be downloaded as an Android APK file for installation or it can be accessed via the Google Play Store.

The access details need to be setup to secure connections via encryption and password protection. Though a connection will also work via the AirDroid web site, ideally the user will have a Windows or Mac PC to wirelessly connect to the Android device.

AirDroid doesn't come with any extra unwanted software.

Interface

The Android app is green and white with attractive circular icons and readable labels under each icon. At the top is an area with instructions on how the user can connect via any computer or mobile device using either a web address (web.airdroid.com) or an IP address (http://192.168.190.130:8888). There is also a small scan-able QR code.

Pros

• Android app which makes any Android device accessible wirelessly over the internet
• Connect to the Android app via the AirDroid site, Windows or Mac computer
• Access via a web address or IP address
• Secure connections using encryption and password protection
• View the Android screen on the desktop
• Control the Android device as if it is right in front of you
• Transfer files between Android and desktop computer (bi-directionally)
• Activate a hotspot or tethering action

Cons

• File transfers and especially Android user interactions update depending on the internet speed

Conclusion

AirDroid for Android is an excellent droid app to help connect any user over the web or on a Windows or Mac computer with their Android device without the need for a USB cable.