The hallowed
Apple
ecosystem is a big reason why a lot of people across the world continue to buy Apple products. An
iPhone
works seamlessly with the AirPods, the Apple Watch, the MacBook and so on. Now, it seems like
wants to create a similar ecosystem with new features that are very similar to what we have seen from Apple. Google’s new features include its own take on
AirDrop
, Spatial Audio, Fast Pairing and more. Here’s a look at what Google plans to bring to
Android
devices and Chromebooks in 2022:
Fast Pair: Seamlessly connect accessories to Chromebook, Android
Fast Pair
isn’t really a new feature and Google claims that it has already helped people connect their Android phones with Bluetooth accessories over 100 million times. It enables instant set up and device pairing, bringing up the companion app for installation and transferring your Google credentials. Now, Google is extending its functionality beyond audio connectivity with wearables, headphones, speakers and cars and extending it to TVs and smart home devices, so you can instantly start using all the devices in your life. Chromebook will automatically detect Bluetooth-enabled earphones and pair with it in a single click. Later this year, new Chromebooks will have the feature where users can use their Android phone to quickly set it up and get immediate access to all of the information like Google login and Wi-Fi password.
Unlock Chromebook with WearOS watch
Apple gives a feature where you can unlock your MacBook with the Apple Watch. Now, Google is bringing a similar experience to Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks. “In the coming months, we’ll bring this feature to your paired Wear OS smartwatch so you can instantly unlock and access your Chromebook and Android phone or tablet when you’re close by,” said Google.
Automatic switching headphones between devices
Another cool feature that Apple has for its AirPods is how they can switch between an iPhone,
Mac
and an iPad. Google says that is building a technology for Bluetooth-enabled headphones that will enable users to automatically switch the audio to whatever device they’re listening to. So if you’re wearing headphones to watch a movie on your Android tablet and you receive a phone call, the movie will pause and the headphone audio will automatically switch to your Android phone and then switch back to the movie when you’re done. These features will be available in the next few months on supported headphones.
Nearby Share: Very similar to Apple’s AirDrop feature
Google revealed that it is working with the likes of Intel, Acer and HP for better connectivity with Android phones. With the Nearby feature, users will be able to setup Bluetooth accessories, share files, sync text messages and more. The feature is quite similar to Apple’s AirDrop which works super smooth between iPhones, Macs, and iPads.
Google has said that these features will be rolling out throughout the year with no specific dates mentioned.