Leak suggests Android and ChromeOS will get deeper device integration
Android devices and ChromeOS could become best friends in the near future as Google is reportedly working on better integration of the two platforms.
Tips for this step were discovered by industry experts AssembleDebug on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that recently delved into the files of Google Play Services version 24.06.12. After activating several internal flags, he discovered that two new features are currently in development and that certain sections will be renamed to better reflect the changes. As 9To5Google points outDevice connections are renamed to Devices & Sharing, and there’s a new option called Cross-Device Services.
By tapping this section for the first time, users can choose the Android phones and Chromebooks they want on their cross-device network. There doesn’t seem to be a limit to the number of gadgets you can connect at the same time. It also looks like you’ll be able to send out mass invites to nearby hardware during this time. Once the setup is complete, you will get access to the above-mentioned features. Please note that it is not known exactly how these tools work, although there are brief descriptions under each tool that provide some insight.
Cross Device Services in Google Play Services✓ Call Cast ✓ Wi-Fi Sharing✓ Hotspot SharingCan be enabled in the upcoming Play Services beta. Screenshot is from version 24.06.12, enabled with many flags.#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/bvUbnYbB9dFebruary 9, 2024
Call Cast will supposedly let you switch between devices during calls, but it “only works with certain apps.” Internet sharing, on the other hand, is more vague. Judging from the text on the screen, it gives users a way to share their hotspot connection and their Wi-Fi password with devices that are members of a group. It saves you the trouble of having to re-enter your password every time you want to add a new phone.
Imminent rollout
That’s pretty much all we can gather from this latest info dump. Considering that AssembleDebug was able to trigger the update and the near-complete status of the interface, we think it’s safe to say that the patch will be rolled out fairly quickly. It is not yet known exactly when it will be released, but… Android Police in their reporting predicts it will arrive next month before Google’s March Feature Drop, along with other updates. These include the eSIM transfer tool plus Bluetooth Quick Settings.
As with any leak, you should take all the details here with a grain of salt. Things can change at any time. That said, if it’s released as is, it would be a great upgrade for the current mobile environment. Chromebooks already offer cross-device connectivity with Androids, but it’s limited to mainly app streaming. By improving usability in this way, Google could finally create a hardware ecosystem similar to Apple’s.
While we’ve got you, check out Ny Breaking’s roundup of the best Chromebooks for 2024.