Google has detailed several new features coming to Android devices for CES 2022. The improvements will make it easier for your Android device to communicate with other nearby devices and further deepen the OS integration with your smartwatch, TV, and even your car.
Android has always lagged behind iPhones in ecosystem integration. Google wants to change that this year and further strengthen the OS ecosystem with deeper integration across its various products and services. To achieve this, the company will be rolling out several new features to Android throughout 2022. Below is a look at all of them.
1. Fast Pair Comes to Chromebooks and TVs
Google's Fast Pair makes it a breeze to connect compatible Bluetooth earphones or headphones with your Android phone with just a single tap. This is now being extended to Chromebooks, TVs, and smart home devices, which will significantly ease the process of setting them up and remove the hassle of signing into your Android account on a new device.
That's not just it, though. You will be able to connect your Fast Pair-compatible headphones with your Android TV quickly as well. The feature will also work with all Matter-enabled smart home devices, making setting them up a breeze. Additionally, Fast Pair is coming to Windows PC, so you will be able to connect your Android phone with your laptop or PC quickly.
2. Nearby Share Coming to Windows
Along with Fast Pair, Google is bringing Nearby Share to Windows PCs. This will make it easier to sync text messages and share files between your phone and PC. As Google notes in its announcement on The Keyword, the feature will first be available on select Windows PCs later this year.
The integration between Windows and Android phones has always been poor, so this will be a much-needed improvement.
3. Unlock With Wear OS
It is already possible to unlock your Chromebook with your Android phone. Google is now extending the same feature to your Wear OS smartwatch. Later this year, you'll be able to unlock your Android phone or Chromebook using your Wear OS smartwatch. The device will automatically unlock when you are near it and wearing your watch.
4. Improved Phone Hub Integration
Android phones neatly integrate with the Phone Hub in Chromebooks. Google is further tightening this integration, which will make it possible to access all your chat apps on your Chromebook even when you don't have your Android phone with you.
Phone Hub will also gain Camera Roll integration, so you'll be able to access your recent photos and videos in just one click.
5. Enhanced Digital Car Key Experience
Late last year, Google made it possible to use your Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy smartphone as a digital key for select BMW vehicles. Later this year, Google will further expand this feature to more phones and car brands with Ultra-Wideband technology.
This tech will allow users to simply walk up to their car and have it unlocked without needing to take out their phone from their pocket. It will also be possible to share your digital car keys with your friends or family in case they need to borrow your car.
6. Automatic Device Switching for Headphones
Similar to AirPods, Google is working on bringing automatic device switching and Spatial audio support to Android and compatible headphones. This will allow your headphones to automatically switch between your phone, tablet, and Chromebook, depending on what device you are using.
Spatial audio support is also in the works, which adapts the sound output based on your head movement. These features are expected to roll out in the next few months.
7. Chromecast Support Coming to Bose Speakers
Google is expanding Chromecast support to more brands, with the feature coming to all Bose smart speakers and soundbars later this year. You'll be able to seamlessly cast content to your Bose speaker from your Android phone, thanks to this.
8. Get More Information About Your Vehicle
Google Assistant's integration with Android Automotive is being deepened to give you more control over your vehicle. With remote actions, you'll be able to ask the voice assistant to lock/unlock your car, warm it up or cool it down, or find out the remaining battery percentage.
The feature will be available across all Google Assistant devices, including your phone. Initially, the feature will work with select Volvo vehicles before being expanded to other cars.
A Better Ecosystem Experience
With the addition of these new features, Google is looking to address some of Android's pain points and further deepen its integration with other smart home products, accessories, and even Windows PCs. The OS has always lagged behind iOS and macOS in this regard, so these new feature additions from Google are a welcome change in the right direction as they will improve your day-to-day experience.