What you need to know
- Google is developing a Handoff alternative that promises to surpass Apple’s version.
- Recent code discoveries indicate it will manage apps, tasks, media, and notifications across multiple devices.
- Once implemented, users will be able to initiate a task on their phone and seamlessly continue it on their tablet or Chromebook.
In a move that could redefine cross-device functionality, Google is reportedly crafting its own version of Apple’s Handoff for Android users. However, early indications suggest that this new feature may not merely replicate Apple’s offering; it could potentially elevate the user experience with additional capabilities. Insights from the latest Google Play Services beta (v25.25.31) reveal intriguing details, including explicit references to a “Handoff” feature designed to facilitate the continuation of tasks, applications, and media across devices without interruption.
Moreover, the code hints at an “App Cast” feature, which may allow users to stream entire applications directly from one Android device to another. This suggests that Google’s approach to Handoff is not just about continuity but rather about creating a comprehensive multi-device experience.
Apple’s Handoff ignores notifications
While Apple’s Handoff excels at managing tasks and files across its ecosystem, it notably overlooks notifications. This presents an opportunity for Android to gain an edge. Google has previously ventured into cross-device synchronization with its Chromebooks and select Android devices, such as the Pixel and Samsung phones. However, recent developments indicate a significant evolution in this area, with Google poised to enhance its Handoff-like feature.
If successful, this innovation could allow Android users to transition effortlessly between devices, initiating a task on their smartphone and continuing it on a tablet or Chromebook. This advancement represents a substantial leap towards creating a cohesive and interconnected digital environment.
Multi-device flow might soon feel seamless
Currently, Android users often rely on third-party applications or specific brand functionalities to synchronize their experiences across devices, which rarely achieves true seamlessness. The anticipated feature aims to transcend basic file sharing, providing a holistic synchronization of the entire Android experience across multiple devices.
Samsung has already introduced a similar concept with its App Continuity on Galaxy devices, allowing users to transfer calls between devices. However, it still lacks the refinement found in Apple’s Handoff. The key differentiator? Apple’s solution does not incorporate notification syncing, an area where Android’s forthcoming feature could potentially shine.
