Google, which pulled out of the ongoing CES 2022 due to concerns over COVID-19, plans to bring Fast Pair to televisions and smart home devices. The Android maker also announced a host of interesting new features to be released this year. “We’re continuing our work with partners to further extend Fast Pair’s functionality beyond audio connectivity with wearables, headphones, speakers and cars and extending it to TVs and smart home devices, so you can instantly start using all the devices in your life,” said Google VP of Multi-Device Experiences Erik Kay in a post. “If you get a new Chromebook later this year, you can use your Android phone to quickly set it up and get immediate access to all of the information you’ve already saved, like your Google login and your Wi-Fi password,” he added. While at present Chromebook users can already unlock it using an Android phone, Google is set to bring this feature to Wear OS smartwatch which can be used to instantly unlock and access paired Chromebook and Android phone or tablet.
“In the coming months, you’ll be able to set up your headphones for when you need to watch quietly with your Google TV or Android TV OS device at home. And with built-in support for Matter on Android, you’ll be able to use Fast Pair to quickly connect new Matter-enabled smart home devices to your network, Google Home and other accompanying apps all in just a few taps,” said Kay. The company is working on a technology for Bluetooth-enabled headphones that will enable them to automatically switch the audio to whatever device the user is listening to. “If you’re wearing headphones to watch a movie on your Android tablet and you receive a phone call, the movie will pause and the headphone audio will automatically switch to your Android phone and then switch back to the movie when you’re done.”
Google is also set to roll out more features in PhoneHub, Kay informed, “you’ll be able to stay in touch by accessing chat apps from your phone directly to your Chromebook –without needing to install them again on your Chromebook. We’re also excited to add Camera Roll to the Phone Hub, which makes access to your most recent photos and videos as easy as one click”. With remote actions, one can use voice to warm up and cool down your car, lock and unlock and get crucial information – like how much battery is left – on all Assistant-enabled devices. These capabilities are coming first to vehicles from Volvo Cars in the coming months, with more to follow. “For the first time with Android, we’re also focused on building for other platforms, like Windows, whether it’s in gaming, productivity or other areas. For example, by connecting your Android phone to your Windows PC with Fast Pair, you’ll be able to quickly set up Bluetooth accessories, sync text messages and share files with Nearby Share. We’re working with Acer, HP and Intel to bring these experiences to select Windows PCs first later this year.” Google will be rolling out these features throughout the year.