Google Announces New Android Features At CES: From Revamped File Sharing To Android Auto Upgrades For EVs, Here's What's New

Alphabet Inc.'s GOOG GOOGL Google has announced a slew of new features for Android devices at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024.

The enhancements focus on promoting seamless connectivity within the Android and Chromebook ecosystems, as well as interoperability of Android devices with TVs and electric vehicles.

What Happened: Google announced these updates on Wednesday with an aim to boost user experience across phones, laptops, Bluetooth accessories, TVs, smart homes, and cars.

Key updates include upgrades to Quick Share and Fast Pair features, new casting capabilities for TikTok, Spotify Technology SA SPOT, and YouTube Music, as well as enhancements to Android Auto for electric vehicles.

Quick Share Gets A Samsung Boost

The new Quick Share feature, developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. SSNLF, has been upgraded to share pictures, files, and text between devices efficiently.

Google says it is also partnering with laptop makers like LG to make Quick Share available as a preinstalled app for its users.

See Also: Samsung Shows Off Concept Phone That Folds In Both The Directions: Could This Be The Future Of Foldable Phones?

Fast Pair Expands To TVs

Google’s Fast Pair feature is set to expand to Chromecast with Google TV and other Google TV devices later this year, facilitating faster pairing of new Bluetooth accessories with Android devices.

Users can now cast TikTok content from their smartphones to Chromecast built-in devices. Google is also introducing a new casting feature that shifts Spotify and YouTube Music content from compatible Pixel phones to docked Pixel Tablets when in close proximity.

Usability Improvements For EV Drivers

To boost the user experience for electric vehicle drivers, Google’s Android Auto feature will soon share real-time battery information with Google Maps on compatible electric vehicles. This feature will initially be available on Ford Motor Co.'s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.

Why It Matters: Google's new update announcements are aimed at making the Android ecosystem more cohesive. These updates also help the Android operating system work more seamlessly with smart TVs, smart displays, and EVs.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo Courtesy: Google