Technology giant Google has revealed the latest Android features at CES 2024 held recently, promising millions of Android users worldwide an enhanced mobile-to-home experience. These significant updates aim to improve user experience and connectivity, concentrating on achieving smoother device interactions.
The new features represent a continuation of the advancements introduced in the previous year, which include Fast Pair, Chromecast, and enhanced smart home compatibility, collectively contributing to a more seamless and integrated Android ecosystem.
Here are the updates that are coming to Android:
- Quick Share Revolutionizes File Sharing: Google, in collaboration with Samsung, introduces Quick Share, a unified cross-Android solution for peer-to-peer content sharing across a variety of devices in the Android and Chromebook ecosystems. This collaboration integrates the best features of Nearby Share and Samsung’s Quick Share, establishing it as the default built-in option for sharing files. Quick Share will soon be pre-installed on Windows PCs from leading manufacturers, expanding its reach across devices.
- Fast Pair Support Expands to Chromecast with Google TV: Fast Pair, designed for quick and hassle-free Bluetooth accessory pairing, is expanding to Chromecast with Google TV and will extend to more Google TV devices later this year. Users can connect compatible headphones or speakers with just a tap, providing an enhanced audio experience while watching their favorite movies and shows. Fast Pair has already facilitated over 660 million pairings to date.
- Casting Capabilities Extend To More Devices: Chromecast continues to evolve with better casting capabilities. More devices, such as the 2024 LG TV series, will launch with Chromecast built-in, and later this year, LG Hospitality and Healthcare will also support this feature. Google TV devices now boast over 220 million monthly active users.
Automotive features
- Greater Interoperability with Matter: Google emphasizes interoperability with the Matter standard, working toward making smart devices from various companies seamlessly compatible. LG TVs and select Google TV and Android TV OS devices will act as hubs for Google Home, simplifying the integration of Matter devices into home networks.
- Android Auto Upgrades for Electric Vehicles: Android Auto introduces updates for new and upcoming electric vehicles. Electric vehicles compatible with Android Auto can now share real-time battery information with Google Maps, providing users with estimated battery levels upon arrival, suggesting charging stops, and estimating charging time-based on the vehicle.
- Google Services Expand to More Cars: Top car brands will soon feature Google built-in, integrating popular apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant directly into the car’s display. Users can send planned trips from their phones to Google Maps on their car display and enjoy new apps on Google Play optimized for in-car use.