A recent report revealed that Google is working on App Cast, a feature that — as the name suggests — could let users stream apps from a connected device. Turns out, there’s more to this, as Google is working on an iPhone-like “Handoff” feature for Android to enable deeper multi-device integration.
A teardown of the latest Google Play Services v25.25.31 beta by the Android Authority team found strings related to a “Handoff” feature. The strings reference features such as “Continue tasks and access apps, media, and notifications across your devices,” “Sync notifications across your devices,” and the ability to “Access your files across your devices.” Yep, it seems Google is finally working to bring cross-device notification syncing and file and media sharing to Android. And based on the previous App Cast report, you might be able to stream apps directly from a companion Android device.
Apple offers a Handoff feature on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, enabling you to carry your work easily across devices. For example, if you’re reading an article in Safari on your iPhone, a Safari icon will appear in the Mac’s dock when you switch devices. Clicking it lets you pick up right where you left off.
On paper, Samsung provides a similar App Continuity feature on its Galaxy devices, which even lets you transfer phone calls between devices, though its implementation falls short of Apple’s. While Android features cross-device services, the feature is basic at best, enabling you to share your phone’s hotspot with other nearby devices and switch devices while on video calls in Google Meet and Gmail.
Android desperately needs better cross-device integration
Handoff is one of the best examples of the deep ecosystem integration that Apple devices offer. So, it’s good to see Google finally working on bringing a similar feature to Android. It will be especially useful for users who own both an Android phone and a tablet. It will enable them to switch devices seamlessly and resume an email or document right where they left off.
Apple does not offer cross-device notification syncing though, so Google’s implementation could have an edge here.
While the “Handoff” strings appearing in the latest Google Play Services beta build are a positive sign, Google may take its time before making the feature official. After all, reports of the company working on cross-device notification syncing popped up back in September 2024 as well, but nothing has materialized since then.
