Tag: Instant Hotspot

  • Google Unveils Cross-Device Services for Seamless Casting

    Google Unveils Cross-Device Services for Seamless Casting

    Google has initiated efforts on “Cross-device services” to enhance user experience across multiple devices. This feature is currently being rolled out, so it may not be available on all devices immediately. Once available, it can be enabled on Android devices by navigating to Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing > Cross-Device.

    Seamless Integration Across Devices

    Cross-device services allow for seamless data transfers between devices signed into the same Google Account. As per images shared by 9to5Google, two major features under development are Call Casting and Internet Sharing (Instant Hotspot).

    The Call Casting feature enables users to transfer an ongoing video call to another device easily. This is currently limited to Google Meet calls, but future support for additional apps is expected. For instance, if you start a video call on your phone but prefer to continue it on a tablet with a larger screen, you can cast the call with a single tap without needing to end and rejoin the call.

    Instant Hotspot

    Instant Hotspot simplifies sharing your internet connection. By adding devices to the same Google Account, you can use the Instant Hotspot feature to share the internet without manually turning on the hotspot and entering a password on another device. A single tap will instantly share the internet connection without needing any password input.

    Google’s new Cross-Device Services are currently in beta and are being gradually rolled out to users. These can be accessed in Google Play Services version 24.28.34.

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  • Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    As Android 15 gears up for its launch later this year, Google is making final adjustments to its new features. One notable addition is Instant Hotspot, a handy tool that enables Android tablets and Chromebooks to effortlessly connect to a phone’s hotspot. However, recent findings indicate that this feature will not be accessible on Samsung Galaxy devices.

    Instant Hotspot enhances the ease of connecting your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet. When nearby and lacking Wi-Fi, a prompt will appear on your device, urging you to connect to the phone’s hotspot. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

    Familiar Territory for Galaxy Users

    For those using Galaxy devices, this might seem recognizable. Samsung’s One UI already includes a similar function named Auto Hotspot. Both features serve the same purpose of linking your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet.

    The main distinction is in compatibility. Google’s Instant Hotspot is compatible with any Android tablet and Chromebook, whereas Samsung’s Auto Hotspot is restricted to Galaxy devices that are part of the same Samsung account or family group.

    Impact on Galaxy Users

    Although Samsung users have been benefiting from Auto Hotspot for some time, the lack of Instant Hotspot in Android 15 won’t significantly impact their experience. If you exclusively use Samsung Galaxy devices, you won’t miss out on the advantages of Instant Hotspot.

    However, if you were looking forward to using Auto Hotspot with other Android tablets or Chromebooks, you might be disappointed when Android 15 is released.

    Speculations on Feature Exclusion

    The reason why the Instant Hotspot feature won’t be available on Galaxy devices remains unclear. The feature is part of Google Play Services, which is accessible on all Google-certified Android devices, including Samsung’s.

    Samsung probably chose to exclude this feature due to its overlap with their existing Auto Hotspot. Nonetheless, with the introduction of Instant Hotspot, the practicality of Auto Hotspot seems somewhat diminished.

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