Your Android phone and Windows 11, ChromeOS laptop are beating Apple in 2022

CES 2022 has seen something crazy from major names of the tech world and hence, Google's participation was obvious. What wasn't obvious though was Google centering its CES announcements around Android mostly. No, Google did not announce Android 13 Tiramisu officially (yet) but it did talk about features coming to existing Android devices to make our leaves easier.

Most of these features are reaching current and older Android phones via updates throughout 2022. The features themselves aren't revolutionary but are mostly focused on bridging the gap between Android and other popular PC platforms. The days of iPhone-MacBook's unbeatable combo are limited.

Android growing up this year

There are certain features Google announced for Android reaching this year.

Android and Windows 11 becoming friends

Have you seen how effortlessly iPhone users can send files to Apple Mac computers and vice versa via AirDrop. Google is bringing something similar to Android, called Fast Pair. With Fast Pair, “you’ll be able to quickly set up Bluetooth accessories, sync text messages and share files with Nearby Share. We’re working with Acer, HP and Intel to bring these experiences to select Windows PCs first later this year,” says Google.

Expanding Google ecosystem

Google is working with partners to expand support for Chromecast to other speakers, starting with Bose soundbar and speakers. Then there's auto connectivity with active devices. If you are watching a movie on your tablet and a call comes on your phone, your headphone will automatically pause the movie and route the phone's audio to it.

Audiophiles will be happy to know that Google is bringing Spatial Audio for supported audio gear.

Chromebooks to now work better with Android

The Phone Hub on Chromebooks will let you use your laptop to view and respond to chat notifications, toggle Do Not Disturb, set off the ringtone to find your phone or continue browsing recent Chrome tabs. Another update will eliminate to need to install your Android phone apps on your Chromebook in order to use them. Chromebooks will also be able to add Camera Roll to the Phone Hub so that once can easily access photos and videos.

Pairing new devices to be a child's play

Pairing up a new headphone or smartwatch could be painful. Google wants to make this easy using its Fast Pair technology. Fast Pair’s functionality will extend beyond audio connectivity with wearables, headphones, speakers and cars and extending it to TVs and smart home devices. Once paired, you can pair the same to your Chromebook with one simple tap.

You will also be able to set up your new Chromebook just like you setup an Apple Watch on an iPhone, or Fast Pair a new device to yoru account.