Google did not physically attend the CES 2022 global conference, but instead decided to participate with a set of new updates coming to Android devices and operating system that it plans to launch in 2022. These features aim to help Android phones communicate with other nearby devices and deepen integration with smartwatches, cars, and smart TVs. Android devices have always differed completely from the ecosystem compared to Apple devices, but Google wanted to change that in 2022 and deepen the integration of Android devices with the ecosystem. Therefore, we will mention in this article the new features coming to Android devices at some point this year.
Availability of Nearby Share feature for Windows
Google plans to introduce the Nearby Share feature to Windows to allow users to quickly share files and sync messages with their Android phones. This feature aims to improve integration between Android and Windows devices, which was very weak in the past, so it is considered a welcomed feature to create effective communication between the phone and the computer. Google says the feature will first be available on Windows computers (version not specified) from Acer, HP, and Intel later this year.
Fast Pairing between phone and smart TV
Fast Pairing is a new feature from Google that will allow connecting Bluetooth earphones or headsets to an Android phone with just one click. The feature has been around for a while, but recently Google decided to expand its support to include Chromebook devices and smart TVs, and smart home devices, making it much easier to set up for the first time without having to log in to a new Google account. Additionally, you will be able to connect compatible headsets to an Android TV device through Fast Pair as well. Fast Pair feature will also be available for Windows devices, allowing you to quickly connect your Android phone to your laptop.
Unlocking your phone using your smartwatch
Google has long allowed unlocking a Chromebook device using an Android phone. But Google is now working to expand the same feature to your Wear OS smartwatch. Later this year, you will be able to unlock your Android phone or Chromebook device using a Wear OS smartwatch. The device will automatically unlock when you are near it and wearing your smartwatch, a similar experience to Apple devices where the iPhone can be unlocked using an Apple Watch.
Support for UWB technology to use the phone as a car key
Late last year, Google allowed using your Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy Android phone as a digital key for select BMW cars. But later this year, the company will work to expand this feature to include more phones and car brands equipped with Ultra-Wideband technology. This technology will allow users to simply unlock and lock their car by approaching it without needing to take their phones out of their pockets. It will also be possible to share your car’s digital keys with your friends or family if they need to borrow your car.
Automatically switch headphones or earphones between devices
Similar to Apple’s AirPods, Google is working to provide an automatic switching feature for headphones between connected devices and support Spatial Audio for Android devices and compatible headsets. This will allow headphones to automatically switch between your phone, tablet, and Chromebook depending on the device you are using. For example, if you receive a call on your phone (connected to the headset) but you are using the headset with the tablet, the call will be automatically transferred to the tablet. Spatial audio support also adapts the audio output based on head movement. These features are expected to be launched in the coming months.
![The Weekly Article on the Best iPhone and iPad Apps [08/02/2020]](https://i1.wp.com/blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIimP7gRnPC43G8pTQPszhy4M8g4qZnDyhvx9Br0FmJTtczEY80biNxxb5Gc33LxzFoJY3EUpEuVzINH43Gu-JpWr0mNjusqkh_VXTj3cUXI2MXEaJWxsdKiNJUnc9weND8sdlxe07CpU/w1280-h720-p-k-no-nu/iPhone.png?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "The Weekly Article on the Best iPhone and iPad Apps [08/02/2020]")
![Top New Android Apps of the Week [10/07/2020]](https://i2.wp.com/blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrSoIVvE0v9I-R4aLydmgbDqdmvG9kB6cNBNXDjY3TXn9e-dll68gn9nGL77Rwb59XkvbK5Z5kYFfWTtVFdQZ-2lSDuZMKiczrK_kVwBhL9gfCo65E15iQPm3LyouvJa22S_AMRqivBSZ/w1280-h720-p-k-no-nu/top-apps-android.png?w=390&resize=390,220&ssl=1 "Top New Android Apps of the Week [10/07/2020]")