Buzz
At CES 2022, Google revealed plans to collaborate with Acer, HP, and Intel to implement phone-to-PC connectivity using Fast Pair. Subsequently, they will use the bridge feature to share files with Nearby Share on Android, synchronize text messages, and configure Bluetooth accessories. The search giant also emphasizes that these features will be gradually rolled out to users throughout the year.
Google connects PCs, Android, and Chromebooks with groundbreaking synthesis features.
The unclear aspect is how these new features coexist or improve upon Your Phone, an integrated feature on Windows 10/11 allowing PCs and Android phones to exchange image files and interact with text messages. Specific Android phones even allow Your Phone to interact with the device screen.
Beyond PCs, Chromebooks also take the spotlight at Google. The tech giant plans to implement some minor improvements in Chromebook connectivity in the upcoming months. Users will be able to use their Android phones to set up Chromebooks, including transferring accounts through Google and connecting to available Wifi passwords by the end of this year.
Other enhancements on Chromebook include:
- Expanding the ways users can automatically unlock Chromebooks, from Android phones to future Wear OS smartwatches.
- Introducing additional features in the Phone Hub on Chromebook. Now users can use Chromebook to view and respond to chat notifications, activate Do Not Disturb, Find Your Phone, and browse recent Chrome tabs. Additionally, users will soon be able to access chat apps on their phone from Chromebook when the devices are close. Google is also adding a photo library to the Phone Hub for seamless photo browsing.
Alongside this, Google also provides a list of features that the company will deploy for connected devices around the home, primarily focusing on Fast Pair.
Specifically, the tech giant reveals that it is continuing to work with partners to further expand the functionality of Fast Pair. This includes the ability to connect audio with wearables, headphones, speakers, and cars, extending to TVs and smart home devices.
Furthermore, Google will begin rolling out the automatic switch feature for headphone audio to the device the user is actively working on. For example, if a call is received while working on an Android tablet, the headphones will automatically connect to the Android phone.
Finally, some intriguing new features for connected cars. While currently users can use a Pixel or Samsung phone to unlock and start a BMW, with UWB technology-supported devices, users don't need to take the device out of their pocket to unlock the car. They can also send an electronic car key to friends if they want to borrow the car.
Volvo, connected with Google Assistant, will receive additional connectivity features. Users can now start and cool down their calls, as well as check battery levels, using the Assistant.
- Read more: How to install Bluestacks on Chromebook
