BTN News: Google has rolled out a groundbreaking update that will revolutionize how Android users connect and share across multiple devices. With its newest features, Google is closing the gap between Android and Apple’s integrated ecosystem. Android devices running version 11 or later can now enjoy enhanced connectivity, allowing users to share internet connections and handle calls effortlessly across different devices.
This update is powered by Google Play Services and promises a smoother, more interconnected experience for users with multiple Android devices. Whether you’re managing calls on your phone or need to share your internet with a nearby tablet, Google’s new cross-device features are designed to simplify and improve the user experience.
Unlock Seamless Connectivity Across Your Android Devices
Google’s multidevice service is set to change how users interact with their Android smartphones and tablets. Thanks to the latest update to Google Play Services, users can now make calls and share internet connections between their devices—provided they run on Android 11 or higher.
The primary feature allows users to continue calls, including video calls from apps like Google Meet and Gmail, across multiple devices without interruption. Additionally, internet sharing is now more accessible. A user can activate the hotspot of one device remotely from another nearby, allowing for quick and easy access to a shared internet connection.
How to Enable Google’s Cross-Device Features
Activating Google’s multidevice services is straightforward and requires just a few steps:
- Update Google Play Services: Ensure your device is running the latest version of Google Play Services (version 24.35.30 or later).
- Access Settings: Go to your Android settings and open the Google tab.
- Enable Cross-Device Services: Navigate to “Devices & Sharing” and enable the “Services between devices” option.
This seamless connection requires that both devices are signed into the same Google account and have Bluetooth enabled. With these features active, users can transfer calls between devices or share their internet connection easily—without needing to touch the primary device.
Call Continuity and Internet Sharing: Key Features Explained
Google’s two main offerings in this update are call continuity and internet sharing. Both features aim to enhance productivity and convenience for Android users who regularly switch between devices.
- Call Transfer Between Devices: If you start a video call on your phone but want to switch to your tablet, this feature allows you to continue the conversation without disconnecting. This capability extends to popular apps like Google Meet and Gmail.
- Internet Sharing: This feature lets one device activate another’s hotspot remotely. For example, you can turn on your phone’s hotspot from your tablet, providing instant internet access. It’s particularly useful when you’re working on a tablet and don’t want to reach for your phone.
However, it’s worth noting that Samsung users won’t be able to access the internet sharing feature through this update. Instead, they must use Samsung’s built-in Auto Hotspot feature, which offers similar functionality.
Google Plans to Expand Its Ecosystem
This recent update is only the beginning of what appears to be a larger strategy by Google to build a more integrated Android ecosystem. According to reports from 9to5Google, the tech giant plans to introduce more features that further improve multidevice connectivity in future updates.
These upcoming innovations could give Android users more control over their connected devices, positioning Google as a strong competitor against Apple’s tightly integrated systems. With continued improvements in connectivity, users can expect a more fluid, interconnected experience across their devices.
New Multimonitor Support in Google Slides
In addition to improving Android’s device ecosystem, Google has also introduced an important update for Google Slides, its popular presentation tool. The latest enhancement allows users to take advantage of multimonitor support, a feature that is highly beneficial for those presenting at conferences or meetings.
Previously, Google Slides mirrored exactly what was on the presenter’s device screen, making it difficult to view notes or preview upcoming slides without revealing them to the audience. With the new update, presenters can now display their notes and future slides on one monitor while projecting only the current slide to the audience. This dual-view capability makes presentations more professional and seamless.
How to Use Google Slides’ Multimonitor Feature
To access the multimonitor feature in Google Slides, simply follow these steps:
- Open your presentation in Google Slides.
- Go to Presenter Mode and choose the option for Presenter View.
- On one monitor, you’ll see your notes and the upcoming slide, while the second monitor displays the current slide to your audience.
This feature is now rolling out to users with Google Workspace accounts, as well as individual and personal Google account holders. It’s another example of Google’s commitment to improving its tools for both personal and professional users.
A Step Toward a Unified Android Ecosystem
With these updates, Google is making significant strides in providing a more unified experience for Android users. The seamless transfer of calls and internet sharing between devices reflects Google’s ambition to offer a user-friendly, interconnected ecosystem, comparable to what Apple users have enjoyed for years.
Additionally, the multimonitor support in Google Slides demonstrates Google’s ongoing efforts to improve productivity tools. As Google continues to enhance its services, users can look forward to an even more integrated and intuitive experience in 2024 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Google’s new multidevice features for Android 11 and up make it easier than ever to stay connected across devices, whether it’s transferring calls or sharing internet access. And with continued innovation, this is just the start of a more interconnected future for Android users.
