A recent report has unveiled that Google is developing a feature named App Cast, which is designed to allow users to stream applications from connected devices. However, this is only part of the story.
Google is also working on a feature similar to Apple’s “Handoff” for Android, aimed at enhancing multi-device integration. A teardown of the Google Play Services v25.25.31 beta by the Android Authority team has discovered code related to this “Handoff” feature.
The code suggests functionalities like continuing tasks, accessing apps, media, and notifications across devices, syncing notifications, and accessing files across various devices. This indicates that Google is making strides toward enabling cross-device notification syncing and facilitating the sharing of files and media on Android devices.
Based on the App Cast report, it may even allow for the streaming of apps from a companion Android device. Apple’s Handoff feature allows users to smoothly transition their work across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
For instance, if a user is reading an article in Safari on their iPhone, they can shift seamlessly to their Mac, where an icon in the dock enables them to pick up right where they left off. Samsung also offers a similar App Continuity feature for its Galaxy devices, which can transfer phone calls between devices, but it does not match the user experience provided by Apple.
Currently, Android’s cross-device features are quite basic, allowing for limited functionality such as hotspot sharing and device switching during video calls. The introduction of a robust Handoff-like feature would significantly improve this situation, particularly for users with both Android phones and tablets.
Despite the promising signs from the Google Play Services beta, official confirmation may take time. Previous reports of Google working on cross-device notification syncing surfaced in September 2024 but have yet to be realized.
Leave a Reply