Microsoft Windows RT Meets the iPhone

I was shocked to find out that it was easier for me to get my iPhone photos and videos onto the Microsoft Surface RT tablet than it was to get them onto the iPad. No camera connection kit needed, just the iPhone’s USB cable. This works on the iPhone 4S with iOS 6. I couldn’t check other models but would expect it to work. Add a comment if you can confirm it works with other phones, Apple or otherwise.

To import photo and videos:

Connect the iPhone to the USB port on the Microsoft Surface RT. If prompted for the action to take you can safely select “Take No Action”.

Open the Photo app from the Start Screen

Swipe up from the bottom and tap the Import icon.

All the photos and videos on the iPhone will be displayed. By default Windows RT will select any photos and videos that are not already in the library. Previously imported files will not be selected by default. The default import folder name is the date of the most recent photo.

Tap “Import” to import the photos and videos. You’ll be prompted when the import is complete.

The photos will be displayed when you click “Open Folder”. The videos will also be displayed and can be played through the photo app.

Deleting the photos from the iPhoto through the Photo app isn’t possible.

Bonus tips: Managing the folders and files may be easier on the desktop side. The imported photo directories are in the “My Pictures” library.

I love it when competing OS’s get along so well.

by Ray Newbery aka OSQuest