A current teardown of Google Play Providers has revealed that Android customers would possibly quickly get a characteristic that has been lacking for a very long time: a cross-device sync system just like Apple’s Handoff. The characteristic, unsurprisingly labeled “Handoff” in new code strings, may be a part of Google’s broader push to make its ecosystem work higher throughout a number of units.
Earlier experiences had already pointed to a characteristic known as “App Solid,” which might permit customers to stream apps from one gadget to a different. It now seems to be like App Solid will likely be a part of this new Handoff system. If totally launched, this might permit Android customers to start out a process on their cellphone and choose it up in a while a pill, Chromebook, or one other gadget linked to their Google account.
Apple already provides this type of expertise by means of its Continuity system. Samsung has an identical setup throughout its Galaxy merchandise. Android customers, then again, typically must depend on third-party apps or brand-specific options, which don’t all the time work nicely collectively. A built-in Handoff characteristic might make Android units really feel extra linked and simpler to make use of as a bunch.
The Apple ecosystem has loved continuity options for a few years now. | Picture credit score — Apple
One of many extra helpful additions is notification syncing. Proper now, notifications dismissed on one Android gadget normally nonetheless present up on others. This could get irritating, particularly for customers who swap between units through the day. With Handoff, notifications might sync correctly throughout units, so customers solely must cope with them as soon as. The replace additionally consists of options for sharing recordsdata and media between units.
Google has not formally introduced Handoff, so it’s unclear when it’d roll out or if it is going to be accessible on all Android units. Since it’s a part of Google Play Providers, there’s a good likelihood that many units might finally assist it.
Apple and Samsung customers have had this type of characteristic for years, so it is good to see Google engaged on one thing related. I consider it is a step in the correct path for Android’s ecosystem.
