New features for Android: Google wants to catch up with Apple
Android smartphones will soon connect faster and easier with other devices such as TVs, computers, smartwatches or smart home gadgets. Many features are reminiscent of those already available in the Apple universe.
For example, Spatial Audio will also be available for Android smartphones and headphones capable of it in the second quarter of 2022, Google announced in a blog post. Spatial audio adjusts the sound to your head movements and positions it in the space around you. Apple unlocked the technology for its devices and platforms in June 2021.
Connect and unlock faster
Fast Pair makes it quick and easy for your Android smartphone to connect to Bluetooth headphones. In the future, this should work with even more devices. Starting in the second quarter of 2022, Google also plans to connect the headphones with TVs that have Google TV or Android TV installed. In addition, Android should then support the new smarthome standard "Matter". This should allow you to connect smarthome devices to your smartphone as quickly and easily as headphones do now.
Also from the second quarter of 2022, headphones will automatically recognize which of the connected devices you are listening to. Example: You are watching a movie on your tablet and your smartphone rings. The headphones automatically switch to your cell phone for the call. Around the same time, you should be able to unlock your Chromebook with a Wear OS smartwatch.
Starting in the first quarter, Google also plans to bring Chromecast technology to even more speakers. Unlike a Bluetooth connection, music isn't streamed between devices. With Chromecast, your phone only tells the speaker which stream to play from the Internet. You control it via your phone, but you could make a phone call at the same time while the music continues to play in the background. The first smart speakers and soundbars are from Bose. Other models and brands are to follow.
Better connectivity from smartphone to Chromebooks or Windows PCs.
Google is also working to better connect your smartphone to your computer. Chrome OS notebooks offer the biggest advantage, but Google isn't forgetting Windows PCs, either.
Starting in the first quarter of 2022, you should be able to access photos on your smartphone directly from your Chromebook via Phone Hub. Additionally, Fast Pair is coming to laptops, which should then also recognize Bluetooth headsets faster.
In the third quarter of 2022, Google plans to give Chromebooks access to chat apps on your smartphone - without installing apps on the laptop. This will be followed in the second half of the year by the introduction of fast setup of Chromebooks via your Android smartphone.
Android smartphones are expected to connect to Windows PCs via Fast Pair later this year. You're supposed to be able to set up Bluetooth accessories through it, sync text messages, and share files via "Nearby Share." This is reminiscent of Apple's AirDrop. Google names Acer, HP and Intel as cooperation partners to bring these functions to "selected Windows PCs".
The smartphone as a car key
From now on, you should be able to use your compatible Samsung or Pixel smartphone as a car key for selected BMWs. Google had already announced the function in 2021. Now - probably in the third quarter - the announcement follows that you will no longer have to take your smartphone out of your pocket to unlock your car. However, your cell phone must support ultra-wideband technology. Additionally, you're supposed to be able to digitally share a car key with other people who may drive your car. Google is working on offering the digital car key for more car models and smartphones.
Also new, and initially only available on certain Volvos, is Remote Actions voice control. This should enable you to switch the auxiliary heating or air conditioning on and off, unlock and lock the car, and call up information such as the remaining tank or battery level via Google Assistant before the end of the first quarter of 2022. Other car manufacturers are to follow as cooperation partners.
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