Google showcased its latest features and design upgrades for the Android ecosystem at CES 2023.
Among the announcements were new capabilities for seamless streaming switch between devices using dedicated notification systems for Spotify and YouTube Music.
Another feature called Media Notifications triggers prompts for users to switch devices based on proximity, using Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband.
The feature enables uninterrupted listening and is similar to Apple products' automatic switching between audio inputs.
Additionally, Android Auto will soon enable users to make WhatsApp calls while driving.
Google has announced new features for the Android ecosystem to improve the user experience.
Media Notifications enables users to transition audio content more seamlessly upon switching devices partially based on proximity.
This means transitioning music between headphones, smart home devices, car, and phone is initiated quickly, similar to Apple's cross-device connectivity.
According to The Verge, Media Notifications use Bluetooth low energy, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband protocols to detect which devices are near and what a user wants to use for playback.
Google is also working with music streaming services, Spotify and YouTube Music, to create a dedicated notification system that allows users to quickly transfer music playback from device to device.
ZDNet notes that the aim is to reduce multi-step processes to preserve users' moods, making streaming switch a breeze.
This feature adds to Google's efforts to bring Android devices up to par with Apple in terms of connectivity and cohesiveness between devices.
In addition to Music Notifications, Android Auto will soon allow users to make calls through WhatsApp while driving.
This feature is most useful when using Google Maps to navigate or when listening to music on the drive.
The functionality will be available to the latest Pixel and Samsung phones.
Each source highlights slightly different features, with The Verge, for instance, focusing on Media Notifications' use of the cross-device SDK and typical characteristics shared with Apple's automatic switching.
Meanwhile, ZDNet emphasises the desire to streamline the music streaming process, reducing the number of steps.
Nevertheless, it is clear that Google continues to develop Android features and services to attract more customers by improving the user experience.