Google isn’t usually one of the big names appearing at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but this year the company wanted to be there with some interesting ads on Android.
The most interesting ad has to do with quick pair, the technology that helps to connect Android phones with Bluetooth accessories. This technology allows for instant setup and pairing, provides installation of the device app on the phone, and transfers Google credentials.
Now Google is extending Fast Pair beyond audio, allowing televisions and smart home devices to be used​​so you can use them instantly.
When you turn on your Fast Pair compatible headphones, your Chromebook will automatically detect them and pair them with a single click. If you buy a new Chromebook, you can use your Android phone to quickly set it up and get immediate access to all the information you’ve already saved, like your Google username and Wi-Fi password.
In the coming months, you’ll be able to configure your headphones with your device running Google TV or Android TV operating system at home. And with built-in support for Matter on Android, you can use Fast Pair to quickly connect new Matter smart home devices to your network, Google Home, and other add-on apps, all with just a few taps.
Google also announced Device unlocking improvements. Users can unlock their Chromebook with an Android phone, and this will extend to WearOS devices. This will allow users to activate their phone, tablet or Chromebook with a smartwatch in the future.
In addition, support for vehicle integration is optimized through the integration of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. This allows a paired vehicle to be unlocked without having to place the phone close to the lock.
Google is also improving the Space Audio and will allow full head movement tracking on Android to match the sound with those movements.
Google is developing a technology for Bluetooth headsets that will allow them to automatically change the sound for the device you’re listening to. If you are using headphones to watch a movie on your Android tablet and receive a call, the movie will pause and the sound from the headphones will switch to your Android phone, then return to the movie when finished.
Finally, it also announced a better support for windows, “Whether for gaming, productivity or other areas.”