Android introduces Cross-device services: Call casting, internet sharing

Google introduced the first set of Cross-device services features, with Call casting and Instant hotspot to be launched on Android devices.

Once visible on your device, go to: Settings > Google > Devices & sharing > Cross-device services. The setup process includes showing your “device group” by allowing these preferences on your signed-in devices.

Call casting

Move calls between this device and other nearby devices logged in to your Google Account. Call casting is only offered for certain apps, along with some data about your devices that might be shared with those apps when devices are switched.

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• “When turned on, your other devices can cast video calls to the device that you’re using.”
• Currently, this is just Google Meet, with the existing Cast brand being reutilised. There will be a Cast icon to move a video call between your Android phone, tablet, or desktop browser.

Internet sharing > Instant hotspot

Automatically share hotspot access with your own devices. Internet sharing works with Chromebooks and Android devices logged in to your Google Account. Bluetooth and device location required to be on shared internet.”

• According to Google, “Internet sharing isn’t offered on Samsung devices. If you have a Samsung device, you can use the auto-hotspot feature instead.”

A toggle allows you to turn on/off each feature, while Google will show your Device groups on the main Cross-device services page. Currently, 9to5Google is seeing Cross-device services on Android devices running version 24.28.34 of Google Play services, which is currently in beta. It’s available for Android 11+ phones and tablets.

The search engine giant, Google said that Android users will get new cross-device features as soon as released.”