Several of the upcoming additions to the Android operating system will mirror Apple features, according to the product plans announced today. The new features will allow the products to match capabilities already available on the Apple devices.
Fast Pair, a feature that enables accessories to instantly pair to an Android phone, is being expanded to include speakers, TVs, and smart home devices, similar to how the Apple TV and the Mac work.
Automatic device switch, a feature that Apple built into the AirPods, is coming to the devices of Google. According to the company, it is working on technology that will allow headphones to automatically switch audio from one device to another, as well as head tracking for spatial audio, adapting sound based on head position.
Adding features like AirPods-like is one of the things that will be added to more devices. Photos and videos will be automatically available on connected Chromebooks if you install them on your phone, and chat apps will be able to be accessed from your phone without installing them.
For setting up a device with the company, they are introducing a feature that will allow users to set up their Windows PCs with an Android device close by, which will allow them to sync text messages and files with their phone. This is similar to Apple's feature that allows new devices to copy settings from an existing device.
Similar to how an Apple Watch can be used to unlocked a Mac, WearOS smart watches will soon be able to unlocked Chromebooks. The new feature will mirror what's possible with the Apple Watch, but it won't allow for unlocked Chromebooks.
Apple's Car Keys are similar to the Ultra Wideband car key that is being adopted by Google. It will allow a phone to be unlocked, locked and start supported BMW vehicles, which is already available with the iPhone.
Fast Pair and quick sharing for photos are coming in the next few weeks, as are other features.
