Instant Hotspot Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2024

Android Internet sharing and Call casting widely rolling out with Cross-device services

Google has expanded its Android Cross-device services to a broader audience, introducing features like Internet sharing and Call casting. Users can access these features through the Settings app on their Android devices by navigating to Google, then All services, and finally Devices & sharing. Users can establish a "device group" by enabling preferences on devices signed into the same Google Account. The services are compatible with Android 11 and newer versions. Call casting allows users to transfer calls between devices signed into the same Google Account, currently available for Google Meet. The Internet sharing feature, known as Instant hotspot, enables hotspot access between Android devices (excluding Samsung) and Chromebooks without entering a password, using Bluetooth and device location for connection. Users can manage these features with a toggle to enable or disable options, and the interface shows “Your other devices” categorized as “Added” or “Not added.” The rollout is being implemented with version 24.35.30 of Google Play services, observed on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, with new features being released promptly.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Phone Link’s Instant Hotspot feature is no longer exclusive to Samsung phones

Microsoft's Phone Link app has expanded the Instant Hotspot feature to select OnePlus devices, including the OnePlus Open and OnePlus 12, which previously was exclusive to Samsung devices. The Instant Hotspot allows Windows PCs to connect to the Internet via a smartphone's mobile hotspot without manual activation or password entry. This feature is only available on Windows 11 PCs linked to Samsung devices running One UI 4.1.1 or later, due to Android's restrictions. Other manufacturers, like OPPO and OnePlus, also include the Link to Windows Service app, enabling some of their devices to support Instant Hotspot. However, not all devices are compatible; for example, the OnePlus 10 Pro does not support it despite running the same version of the Link to Windows app as the OnePlus 12. The Link to Windows Service app also provides other functionalities, such as app streaming and cross-device copy and paste, although some features remain exclusive to Samsung.