Quick Summary
Google devices are gaining a couple of new features.
These closely mirror features found in the Apple ecosystem, which should make them popular.
When it comes to the best Android phones on the market, things are a lot more contested than ever before. While the sector has previously been dominated by just a handful of names, there are now more than ever.
Each brand offers something a little different, meaning there is more chance than ever that users will find exactly what they're looking for. That includes a full in-house software and hardware experience – such as what we find with Apple's iPhone – with the Google Pixel range.
Now, those devices are getting a neat feature upgrade, which should make them more iPhone-like. That's likely to be a popular thing among users, with this functionality often cited as the reason why users stay with Apple products versus competitors.
So, what exactly is new? Well, there are now a host of cross-device services being introduced. That means users with more than one device signed in on the same Google account can interact more effectively across devices.
The first features include Call Casting and Instant Hotspot. Call Casting allows users to send their current call to another compatible device. You could move from a phone to your Chromebook, for example.
For now, that will only work for Google Meet calls. More apps are expected to join the fray later down the line, though.
Instant Hotspot allows you to instantly share hotspot access within your own collection of devices. That means you'll be able to get internet access on those, without needing to re-enter a password.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It's worth noting that Samsung phones are exempt from this feature. However, users of those devices have a feature called auto-hotspot, which offers much of the same functionality.
Users will find a new section within the settings app, which allows them to toggle off each individual feature. There, you'll also find a list of all of the devices in your group. The feature is currently available in beta.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Denon's keeping CDs alive with a new high-end player
While other firms desert discs, Denon continues to show faith in those shiny circles
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Lockin’s new smart lock doubles as a video doorbell and reads your palms
Lockin launches the 4-in-1 Smart Lock and its recognition is seriously impressive
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Google's "Willow" quantum chip won't just change future computers, it could change the world
Willow smashes benchmarks at a level hard to comprehend
By Chris Hall Published
-
Pixel 9a leaks again, showing Google is heading in a new direction
Newly leaked images of a "Pixel 9a prototype" appear to confirm Google's changed design direction
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Maps is getting its best free update yet and it’s a game-changer
The best traffic warnings are coming to the main Maps app at last
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google's Pixel Watch Loop Bands seem very familiar, but also refreshing
And it's compatible with older Pixel Watch models too
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
YouTube beats Spotify to the punch with a much-loved feature
What did you listen to most?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims report
Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google TV Streamer finally getting the puzzle piece it's been missing since day one
Solves my biggest issue with the streaming device
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Google Pixel Tablet 2 to add a major something that was missing on first-gen, claims report
Google is said to be preparing the Pixel Tablet 2 with an official keyboard case
By Chris Hall Published