This article provides a guide to configuring a Dell computer and Android phone running kernels 5.0-7.1.2 to utilize DMC (Dell Mobile Connect)

Table of Contents:

DMC Overview

DMC (Dell Mobile Connect) is a software solution that enables users to connect their PC and smartphone and create one integrated experience. This provides the ability to work on a PC, while also answering calls, sending text messages, and running Android apps on the PC’s screen. These phone actions are carried out easily by using the PC’s keyboard, mouse, and touch-screen in addition to a high-quality microphone and speakers.

The solution consists of a PC-side app (UWP app that is preinstalled on new Dell PCs), and a phone-side app that the user is asked to download from the relevant app market as part of the initial setup process. Once the PC and the phone are paired (once) and connected – the full functionality of the solution is available and ready to be used.

Sending and receiving text messages

Receiving and making phone calls

Receiving and responding to Android notifications

Running Android apps on the PC screen (using screen mirroring)

DMC provides the following key features:

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DMC connectivity architecture

DMC consists of three software packages:

Windows drivers which should be pre-installed on the PC and will be updated automatically through Dell Update (and can be downloaded from there as well) Windows app which should be pre-installed on the PC and can be updated via the MS app store Android app which should be downloaded from the Android market or other Android app stores

Connectivity between the PC and the Android phone is achieved through the following two wireless links (see Fig. 1):

Fig. 1: Phone and PC Connectivity

Bluetooth (BT) link

After completing the Add a New Phone setup (see next section), the phone will be BT-paired with the PC.

The BT link enables the following functions:

Contacts : The phone book is retrieved from your phone and displayed on the PC.

: The phone book is retrieved from your phone and displayed on the PC. SMS : Text messages are received and sent via the BT link.

: Text messages are received and sent via the BT link. Hands-free calling : Phone calls are routed to the PC via the BT link.

: Phone calls are routed to the PC via the BT link. Mirroring input channel :: The phone is mirrored onto the PC screen, and DMC enables interaction with the phone using the keyboard, mouse and touch. These input commands are transmitted through the BT link.

:: The phone is mirrored onto the PC screen, and DMC enables interaction with the phone using the keyboard, mouse and touch. These input commands are transmitted through the BT link. Communication channel: DMC enables a secure and private two-way communication between the phone and the PC. This channel is used to share device status and transmit information such as Android notifications from the phone to the PC.

Fig. 2: DMC BT functions

WiFi Direct™ link (used for screen mirroring only)

To project the phone on the PC screen, DMC uses a point-to-point link between the phone and the PC, utilizing WiFi Direct™ technology. WiFi Direct™ opens a virtual access point on the PC, referred to as the Autonomous Group Owner (AGO), which functions as a virtual router. The phone establishes a new point-to-point (P2P) connection with the AGO.

It is possible to view the status of the AGO by opening Network and Sharing Center on the PC side.

The AGO name starts with the word "DIRECT" followed by the PC name (see Fig. 3)

Fig. 3:AGO as displayed in the Network and Sharing Center

NOTE: The phone and the PC remain connected to the Internet via the routers to which they were originally connected, while the point-to-point link remains active (see Fig. 4)

In the general case the phone and the PC can be connected to different routers. In this case the 3 WiFi link channels may be different (see Fig.4).

Fig. 4: The 3 WiFi links while mirroring is active

NOTE: The virtual router on the PC (AGO) is launched upon the first activation of mirroring. It remains active throughout the session, unless the user chooses to disconnect, or restart DMC.

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Main DMC functions

Add New Phone (ANP)

The Add New Phone (ANP) wizard enables easy BT pairing between the phone and the PC, without requiring the user to open the BT setting screens either on the phone or on the PC. In addition, this sets up several communication channels and functionalities for future DMC usage.

Pairing is achieved through the ANP pairing wizard - a simple process in which the DMC Windows wizard requests the user to enter a 6-character code. This code is provided by the DMC Android app. Before generating this code, the Android app displays several system dialogues, intended to verify the user’s approval for sharing data and functionality between the PC and the Phone.

NOTE: The approval of these Android dialogues is essential for DMC functionality.

The number of dialogues, their format and wording may vary from one phone manufacturer to another.

PC side ANP wizard

The PC side ANP wizard is shown automatically upon first launch of the DMC Windows app. When connecting a second phone to the DMC Windows app, the user can relaunch the ANP wizard from Settings > Phones.

In the main screen of the PC wizard (after selecting Android), the user is requested to enter a 6-charachter code, which is generated by the Android app.

Click Let’s Start to start the PC wizard Select Android, then click Next Enter the 6-character code provided by your Android app, and click Next Verify that the PIN number code is the same as the one displayed on the phone BT dialogue, and then select Yes Click Finish ANP PC side is complete. The phone will now be connected to the PC, and DMC is ready.

To launch the wizard:

Android ANP side

The Android ANP wizard is displayed automatically when the Android DMC app is first launched. It consists of the following steps: