Google revealed at CES 2022 how you could use a Chromebook to access any chat app on your Android phone. We previously demonstrated and described streaming in detail. Google has added “Cross-Device Services” to the Play Store, suggesting that this feature might soon be available.
This Cross-Device Services app “allows you to do things like reply to a message, check the status of a rideshare, or start/edit your shopping list from your Chromebook,” according to the Google Play listing.
This saves time and allows you to focus when you are already on your Chromebook without having to switch devices.
Compared to the initial messaging announcement in January 2022, the features described today seem to be available for all of your phone’s apps. The ChromeOS Phone Hub will have a “Recent apps” section with an icon row and a link to an “All apps” list, according to screenshots. You will be able to launch “Apps from your phone” after browsing through it.
The streaming capabilities of Google Calendar are demonstrated by displaying the app in a floating window that indicates which device it is running on.
A Cross-Device Services stub is already installed on Google Pixel phones. You can upgrade to version 1.0.285.1 with a hefty 58MB download.
The update that was made available this afternoon is only available for Pixel phones, but it can be installed on other Android devices. Our previous research suggested that Android 13 might be necessary.
On Chromebooks, app streaming is not yet available. With the Cross-Device Services app and update, Google is just starting from scratch.
Fast Pair for Chromebooks and Nearby Share for Windows, two of Google’s Better Together announcements made at CES 2022.