Google is introducing a new Android update that enhances the ability to transfer calls and share Wi-Fi hotspots between multiple devices that are in close proximity and signed into the same Google account.
Announced during the Google I/O 2024 developer conference in May, this update is now becoming available on various devices, as reported by 9to5Google. Users who have received this update can navigate to Settings, then select Google > Devices and Sharing> Cross-device services to set up a device group, which can include phones, tablets, and Chromebooks.
Apple has long excelled in seamless device integration with features like Handoff, allowing users to transfer calls, files, and more between iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Google’s new update signifies a step toward closing the gap with Apple, offering similar cross-device functionalities. The new Android features aim to simplify and enhance the user experience across different devices within the Google ecosystem.
The call transfer feature described in the update allows users to “move calls between this device and other nearby devices signed in to your Google account,” although it currently requires Google Meet for this functionality.
This suggests that other apps might be incorporated in the future to expand the feature’s usability. This improvement is part of Google’s broader efforts to integrate its services more seamlessly across devices.
The instant hotspot feature included in the update enables automatic sharing of hotspot access with users’ own devices, covering Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks. This eliminates the need to manually enter a password, streamlining the process. However, this feature is not available on Samsung devices, which have their own auto-hotspot feature that has been available for several years.
This update precedes the anticipated release of Android 15, expected to be fully rolled out within the next month. Additionally, Google has scheduled the revealing of the Pixel 9 series for August 13, promising further advancements and integrations within the Android ecosystem. The new features and upcoming releases reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and user experience across its devices.
