logo
You might soon be able to do this across all your Android devices—just like Apple users can

You might soon be able to do this across all your Android devices—just like Apple users can

Phone Arena24-06-2025
A recent teardown of Google Play Services has revealed that Android users might soon get a feature that has been missing for a long time: a cross-device sync system similar to Apple's Handoff. The feature, unsurprisingly labeled "Handoff" in new code strings, might be part of Google's broader push to make its ecosystem work better across multiple devices. According to a new report, Google Play Services version 25.25.31 beta includes several new feature strings. These strings mention the ability to "continue tasks and access apps, media, and notifications across your devices," "sync notifications across your devices," and "access your files across your devices." This hints at a system that would let users move between Android devices more easily while keeping apps and content in sync.
Earlier reports had already pointed to a feature called "App Cast," which would allow users to stream apps from one device to another. It now looks like App Cast will be part of this new Handoff system. If fully released, this could allow Android users to start a task on their phone and pick it up later on a tablet, Chromebook, or another device linked to their Google account.
Apple already offers this kind of experience through its Continuity system. Samsung has a similar setup across its Galaxy products. Android users, on the other hand, often have to rely on third-party apps or brand-specific solutions, which don't always work well together. A built-in Handoff feature could make Android devices feel more connected and easier to use as a group.
The Apple ecosystem has enjoyed continuity features for many years now. | Image credit — Apple
One of the more useful additions is notification syncing. Right now, notifications dismissed on one Android device usually still show up on others. This can get frustrating, especially for users who switch between devices during the day. With Handoff, notifications could sync properly across devices, so users only have to deal with them once. The update also includes features for sharing files and media between devices.
Google has not officially announced Handoff, so it's unclear when it might roll out or if it will be available on all Android devices. Since it is part of Google Play Services, there is a good chance that many devices could eventually support it.
Apple and Samsung users have had this kind of feature for years, so it's good to see Google working on something similar. I believe this is a step in the right direction for Android's ecosystem. Secure your connection now at a bargain price!
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Apple responds to Musk's lawsuit threat over the App Store
Apple responds to Musk's lawsuit threat over the App Store

Phone Arena

timean hour ago

  • Phone Arena

Apple responds to Musk's lawsuit threat over the App Store

On Tuesday, we told you that Elon Musk was threatening to sue Apple over how the App Store seemingly ignores Musk's "X" and his Grok AI app. In a tweet sent to Apple, Musk asked the tech giant why "X" and Grok is never found in the App Store's list of Must-Have apps. Musk pointed out that his social media site is the number one news app in the App Store, and Grok is number five among all apps. It is also number 2 in productivity, trailing only ChatGPT. Currently, the Must-Have section contains apps like: TikTok (social media) Tinder (dating) Duolingo (language lessons) YouTube (video streaming) Bumble (dating) HBO Max (movies, television streamer) ChatGPT (AI) Hinge Dating (dating) Peacock (movies, television streamer) Audible (book and podcast streamer) Paramount+ (movies, television streamer) ESPN (sports) Snapchat (social media) Canva (AI photo, video editing) Crunchyroll (anime, music streamer) Amazon Prime Video (movies, television streamer) Twitch (live stream video games and more) YouTube Music (music streamer) LinkedIn (business networking) Dropbox (cloud-based storage) Amazon Music (music streamer) Yes, Musk feels slighted because neither "X" nor Brok is included among these 21 apps. Per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple responded to Musk's threat by saying. "The App Store is designed to be fair and free of bias. We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria. Our goal is to offer safe discovery for users and valuable opportunities for developers, collaborating with many to increase app visibility in rapidly evolving categories." We should point out that neither "X" nor Grok is listed among the top 18 "Popular iPhone Apps." Nor are they among the 11 apps considered "Incredible iPhone apps," or the 31 apps under the "Editors' Choice Apps." Screenshot of App Store showing ChatGPT listed as one of Must-Have apps. | Image credit-PhoneArena Perhaps the most important issue as far as Musk is concerned is that ChatGPT appears to be named on most of the lists where Apple has "editorial control," as pointed out by the multi-billionaire. Musk's theory is that ever since Apple entered into a partnership with ChatGPT parent OpenAI in June 2024, Apple has favored ChatGPT over other AI apps. However, that argument has been shot down, ironically, by "X" members who pointed out that ChatGPT competitor DeepSeek topped the App Store at the start of this year. Perplexity did the same last month in India's App Store. Both of these events took place well after Apple agreed to partner with OpenAI.

iOS 26's CarPlay confirmed to support video playback, with a big catch
iOS 26's CarPlay confirmed to support video playback, with a big catch

GSM Arena

time2 hours ago

  • GSM Arena

iOS 26's CarPlay confirmed to support video playback, with a big catch

Vlad, 13 August 2025 Apple is expected to release iOS 26 next month, and as part of that release, CarPlay is getting an intriguing new feature: video playback. This marks a pretty important milestone for Apple, which has so far resisted offering such a functionality on CarPlay. With iOS 26, apps will be able to play videos onto the CarPlay screen - of course, only when the car is parked. That sounds awesome, but there's a pretty significant catch. Namely, automakers will have to enable support for this feature, it won't just magically go live. And so, many of them could decide to simply not bother, or might have very late rollouts. On the other hand, CarPlay in iOS 26 is definitely getting redesigned icons and appearance options, support for widgets, and some updates to Music and Messages - these don't require any explicit approval from car makers so you'll see them in September. A step above CarPlay is CarPlay Ultra, announced back in May with Aston Martin, and expected to also eventually be supported on vehicles from Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, Genesis, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Jaguar, and Honda, but shunned by BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Polestar, Renault, and GM. Source | Via

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store