Google is trying to make it easier for developers to create Android apps that connect in some way across a range of devices. In a blog post, Google explained that it is rolling out a new cross-device software development kit (SDK) with the tools developers need to make their apps work well on Android devices, and eventually on non-Android devices. Runs on phones, tablets, TVs, cars. , and more.
The SDK should allow developers to perform three key actions with their applications: discover nearby devices, establish a secure connection between devices, and host the experience of the application on multiple devices. According to Google, its cross-device SDK provides multi-device connectivity using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra Wideband.
Google demonstrated how its cross-device SDK can be used for group food ordering on different devices.
Google describes various use cases for its cross-device SDK on its documentation page, and it looks like it could come in handy in a number of scenarios. For example, it lets multiple users on different devices choose items from a menu when creating a group food order, saving you from passing your phone around the room. It also lets you pick up where you left off in an article when switching from a phone to a tablet, and even allows occupants in the car to share specific map locations with the vehicle's navigation system.
It almost sounds like an extension for Nearby Share, which enables Android users to transfer files to Chromebooks and other Android devices. In April, Esper's Mishaal Rahman spotted an upcoming update to Nearby Sharing that will let you quickly share files between devices signed into Google. Google also said during its CES 2022 keynote that it would bring Nearby Share to Windows devices later this year.
The Cross-Device Toolkit is currently available in developer preview, currently only available for Android phones and tablets. Google eventually hopes to expand support to "other Android surfaces and non-Android operating systems," including iOS and Windows, but there's no word on when that will happen. Since the feature is still in its early stages, we probably can't expect to see apps connect between iOS and Android devices anytime soon. But it will be interesting to see how developers implement the new launch feature and whether it makes using certain apps more convenient.