9to5Google
By Andrew Romero
Though CES 2022 didn't see as much traffic as in years prior, that hasn't stopped the Alphabet company from announcing some new product updates for the coming year.
Let's dig in!
Wear OS will soon be able to unlock Android phones, Chromebooks, and tablets...
While there are previous versions of this feature called "Smart Unlock", the new version is going to be a lot more intuitive and easier to use. Using a Wear OS smartwatch, this new auto-unlock feature will allow you to easily skip the PIN on your Chromebook or fingerprint sensor on your Android phone. The feature is said to make its way to Wear OS 3 smartwatch in the "coming months".
Fast Pair is coming to Google TV, Android TV, and Matter...
Google's Fast Pair is responsible for ensuring your headphones connect to your phone or tablet as soon as possible. Well, Google announced that Fast Pair is coming to Google TV and Android TV for headphones already supported for Android phones. Similar to how Android already operates, headphones will be saved to your Google Account. Google is also showing off Fast Pair for matter-enabled smart home products, which enables an extremely fast setup utilizing a QR code.
Google is bringing Nearby Share and Fast Pair to Windows PCs...
Coming "later this year" according to Google, users will soon be able to use two new tools for Windows PCs. The first tool is Fast Pair, which will make its way beyond Android TV and Google TV. The other feature coming to Windows PCs through Android is Nearby Share, the powerful file sharing tool that negates the need for WiFi. This feature will start appearing on PCs sold by Acer and HP starting later in 2022.
Chrome OS will get 'Quick Setup' via Android, more...
To speed things up a little bit when setting up a new Chromebook, Google has announced a new process via Android phones coming "later this year." This process will automatically enter the WiFi name and password saved in your Android phone and then your Google Account will transfer after you authenticate your identity. Meanwhile, the messaging experience on Chromebooks is expanding beyond SMS/RCS. You'll soon be able to access any chat on your Android phone regardless of the app through a Chromebook.
Chromecast built-in coming to Bose as Google Works on headphone auto-switching and spatial audio...
Coming in the "next few months," according to Google, Bose smart speakers and soundbars will get Chromecast built-in support. The company also said that more brands are set to adopt the tech for seamless audio Casting from Android and other supported platforms. Google is also working on tech that will allow for seamless and easy switching between devices. This includes switching from Android device to Android device and from Android device to Chrome OS.
Android Automotive is getting a YouTube app and more control over cars...
The last bit of news from Google during CES 2022 is an update to Android Auto this year. The first update is the arrival of YouTube to the platform. While at first this may come off as dangerous, don't worry, YouTube will only be available to passengers while the vehicle is in park. This feature will first come to Volvo vehicles later this year. The platform is also getting more control over your car via Google Assistant. From your phone you'll soon be able to remotely control air temperature, lock/unlock your vehicle, and get info like remaining battery life. These controls will also be available first in Volvo vehicles in the coming months.