Facepalm: The "new" Microsoft, under Satya Nadella's leadership, is focused on cloud computing, AI, and rebranding apps. The Redmond corporation is currently busy replacing traditional tools with new UWP apps, which are theoretically designed to offer additional features across more computing platforms. However, this approach often takes unexpected turns, leading to very negative user feedback.

Microsoft is introducing a new "Windows App" for both Windows and Apple platforms, providing users with a secure remote tool to access a Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC from "any device." Currently in preview, the app is available for download from the Microsoft Store and is set to replace the classic Microsoft Remote Desktop application on macOS and iOS devices.

Remote Desktop users on Mac have been notified about the rebranding through a new banner within the application. The banner indicates that an upcoming update will replace the remote client with the new Windows App. However, some Reddit users have expressed concerns that the app's generic name, "Windows App," will make it difficult to search for help or support.

Additionally, according to a newly published support page, the Windows App will offer different levels of functionality across platforms. Microsoft confirms that the Windows App will be officially supported on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and web browsers.

Certain features, like dynamic resolution and multi-monitor support, won't be available on iOS devices. The web browser version also lacks many of the most useful features that are available on computers or Apple smartphones.

Windows operating systems have long provided an official (Win32) remote connection tool. For now, the Windows App will not replace that integrated utility. However, it appears that the apps for Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 will be phased out. Microsoft states that the Windows App offers a simpler way to connect to a Windows machine from virtually anywhere – unless you have an Android phone, in which case, the app isn't available.

On the "getting started" support page for the Windows App, Microsoft doesn't provide any explanation for the unexpected rebranding effort. New features offered by the tool include multi-monitor support, custom display resolutions, dynamic resolution scaling, device redirection for audio and storage, and more. The app is also optimized for use with Microsoft Teams.