Google unveiled a slew of new features allowing Android smartphones to communicate with each other and with certain Windows OS devices for the first time ever. CES 2022 featured a number of these capabilities, some of which will be rolled out in cooperation with other firms throughout the course of the year.
News on Windows PCs and Android
As soon as this year, Google intends to deliver Fast Pair to Windows PCs as well as Android phones. The Nearby Share function makes it easy to pair Bluetooth devices, sync messages, and share files.
Google claims to be working with Acer, HP, and Intel on these new functionalities. – Because it is not collaborating with Microsoft on these capabilities, they are unlikely to be exclusive to Windows-based devices when they are released.
Bluetooth technology is now being used by the Fast Pair function to swiftly connect an Android phone to headphones made by Sony and Beats, as well as certain BMW models.
“Windows PCs are a good illustration of other platforms and locations where customers are already present. Google’s Group Product Manager, Ronald Ho, gave a briefing to select reporters ahead of the announcement on the rationale for this integration.
According to the Google executive, they don’t yet have many specifics to give about how these capabilities would operate or whether new applications will be involved. The company’s ultimate objective, he explained, was to make it as seamless as possible for users to move between Android and Windows.
Setting up and connecting devices in a flash
For Google TV and other Android TV OS devices, the company plans to roll out its Fast Pair functionality for headphones in the coming months. Headphones on Chromebooks, Matter-enabled smart home devices, Google Home, and other companion applications will all function with Fast Pair, as will all of these devices’ apps. By employing one standard accepted by Amazon, Apple, and Google among others, Matter simplifies smart home devices.
Later this year, users will be able to pair their Chromebooks with their Android phones. The advantage here is that consumers can simply use their Android phone to set up the Chromebook with a single tap without having to re-enter all the credentials and passwords again. Because of the Covid-19 outbreak and the rising need for online schooling, Chromebooks have lately witnessed a surge in popularity.
Gadgets
Wear OS smartwatches will be able to unlock Chromebooks and Android devices as well. The new functionality will be available in the near future. In order to reach as many devices as possible, Google stated it will collaborate with both chipset partners and the actual OEMs creating the watches. There was no guarantee that previous WearOS devices would be able to take advantage of this. It appears that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series will be able to take advantage of the new functionality.
In the second half of this year, Google will offer the ability to unlock and lock BMW automobiles using a Samsung or Pixel phone through ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. Shareable car keys for certain compatible vehicles will also be available to users.
Tasks Easier
If a Chromebook user’s phone rings while they’re using headphones, the headphones will instantly switch to the other device so they may answer the call. No more “fiddling about” with menus or selecting a device, Ho stated at a press conference. Audio will return to Chromebook when the call is over.
For Android headphones, Google is also introducing spatial audio compatibility, which will allow users to experience immersive sound based on the accompanying content. No information was provided as to which Android versions will enable spatial audio or the corresponding hardware specifications. Apple’s iPhones, Macs, and AirPods all have spatial audio capabilities built-in, as well.
“There will be times when particular hardware is required for certain devices. As a result, we will be working closely with our partners to ensure that it is released on schedule and that it is compatible with the devices in question. Various experiences will be nice, optimum, and speedy across these devices because we will cooperate with the system-on-chip partners that create the chips,” Ho noted.
Those that have assistant-enabled vehicles, such as automobiles, will have many more capabilities at their disposal. Using a smartphone, consumers will be able to control the temperature of the car, open and unlock the doors, and obtain information about the car’s battery straight from the automobile. In the next months, we’ll be adding more of these features.
Starting with Bose speakers and soundbars, Chromecast built-in will be available on additional manufacturers. Later this year, Google will allow Chromebook users to access and react to their Android phone’s texts and chat applications without the need to install these apps beforehand.
Users will be able to transfer photographs and videos from an Android phone to a Chromebook using Phone Hub’s camera roll in the coming weeks.
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