Google desires to do for Android and Chrome customers what Apple does for individuals in its ecosystem. It’s saying a set of stories right this moment at CES 2022 which might be designed to assist these utilizing non-Apple units simply arrange, join and share seamlessly throughout platforms. That includes increasing its present Fast Pair and Chromecast capabilities to extra merchandise, in addition to bettering the sharing of information between Android telephones and laptops. In truth, Google mentioned that “for the first time with Android, we’re also focused on building for other platforms, like Windows.”

First, Fast Pair. Google is working with Acer, HP and Intel to carry Fast Pair to Windows PCs so you possibly can shortly join your Android cellphone to your laptop computer. You can then arrange Bluetooth equipment, sync your textual content messages and simply share information through Nearby Share. This function will arrive on choose Windows PCs later this yr. 

Meanwhile, Google can also be bringing Fast Pair to units past wearables, vehicles and Bluetooth audio equipment, to incorporate issues like TVs and good units. It already works with the Pixel Buds and a few Fitbit watches, enabling simpler setup on these units. In just a few weeks, your Chromebook can robotically detect your Fast Pair-enabled headphones while you flip them on, permitting you to connect with them in a single click on. New Chromebooks arriving later this yr can be simpler to arrange, too. You can join your Android cellphone and port over saved knowledge like your Google account and Wi-Fi password.

The firm mentioned it’s going to allow you to join headphones to Google TV or Android TV within the coming months, and that Fast Pair will work with new Matter-enabled good dwelling units as properly. That ought to make including related home equipment to your property community simpler than earlier than. It does not sound so simple as Apple’s HomePod setup the place you possibly can simply maintain your iPhone close to your speaker to set off the set up course of, however we’ll have to attend to see Google’s answer in motion to know for certain.

After your devices are all arrange and synced with one another, Google additionally desires to allow handy connections a la Apple’s AirPlay or AirDrop. It’s bringing Cast assist to extra manufacturers, beginning with all Bose good audio system and soundbars, so you possibly can stream music and audio out of your Android cellphone to appropriate audio system. 

The firm can also be “building a technology for Bluetooth-enabled headphones” that can allow them to robotically change audio output relying on what machine you are utilizing. Say you are sporting earbuds whereas watching a present in your Android pill and a name is available in in your cellphone. The system will pause your film and the headphones will change over to your cellphone, then go proper again to your pill when your dialog is over. This will work for all audio enjoying by your units at a system stage, relatively than on a supported-app-only foundation. For Apple customers, that is much like how AirPods can robotically change between iPads, iPhones and Macs. 

Google says appropriate headphones may even get spatial audio assist so you possibly can hear directional sound primarily based in your head’s actions for extra immersive experiences. These options are coming within the subsequent few months.

Later this yr, Phone Hub on Chromebooks can also be getting new options to make it extra helpful. For instance, you will not have to put in separate apps like Signal or WhatsApp in your laptop computer to message your folks through your cellphone anymore. Messages from chat apps will present up in your Chromebook and you may reply to them from there. Google can also be including Camera Roll to the Phone Hub so you possibly can view your media with out opening photographs.google.com. 

Locking and unlocking units and autos can also be getting simpler. Just like you possibly can with Apple Watch (and a few Samsung units), within the coming months you’ll use your paired Wear OS 3 watch to maintain your Chromebook and Android units unlocked while you’re shut by.

Cars are additionally getting an Android replace. Compatible Samsung or Pixel telephones will now be capable of lock, unlock and begin supported BMW autos. Later this yr, too, telephones with extremely wideband assist can open automotive doorways with out leaving your pocket or purse. Google can also be including assist for key sharing, in compliance with the Connected Car Consortium interoperable customary, so you possibly can remotely share entry to your car proper out of your cellphone. The firm mentioned it is “working to bring digital car keys to more Android phones and vehicles later this year.”

Finally, you will additionally be capable of inform the Google Assistant to heat up, quiet down, lock and unlock your automotive and ask it for the quantity of battery left in your EV. This is coming first to Volvo Cars autos within the coming months, “with more to follow,” in accordance with Google. 

Everything Google introduced right this moment suits in with the imaginative and prescient of ambient computing the corporate has talked about for years. “This is sort of a foundational element for us to achieve the vision of ambient computing,” vp of multi-device experiences Erik Kay advised Engadget. It does seem to be when these updates do roll out, non-Apple customers might have much less motive to envy the seamless ecosystem that iPhone or Mac customers take pleasure in.

Follow the entire newest information from CES 2022 proper right here!