CES 2024: Sharing gets quicker, screens get bigger, and cars get smarter with new Android updates

Android revealed a slew of updates at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 on Tuesday, aimed at enhancing user connectivity across various devices. The announcement includes a new file-sharing solution, expanded Fast Pair support, broader casting capabilities, increased interoperability with smart devices and more.

Android has collaborated with Samsung to simplify the file-sharing experience which integrates the best features of Nearby Share and Samsung's Quick Share. “We've integrated the experiences and created the best default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing across all types of devices in the Android and Chromebook ecosystems,” Google said in a blog post.

According to the tech giant, Quick Share will also be pre-installed on Windows PCs, thanks to partnerships with leading manufacturers like LG. Users can expect this feature to roll out to current Nearby Share-enabled devices next month.

Android's Fast Pair, designed for quick Bluetooth accessory pairing, is now expanding its support to larger screens. Starting next month, users will be able to connect their compatible headphones or speakers to Chromecast with Google TV. Google added that it plans to extend support to more Google TV devices later this year.

Android is expanding casting capabilities by allowing users to cast TikTok content from their phones to Chromecast built-in devices. This is just the beginning, with plans to introduce the ability to cast live videos from TikTok to larger screens soon. The casting experience will further expand with the launch of more devices equipped with Chromecast built-in, including the 2024 LG TV series.

Moreover, Chromecast built-in will extend to LG Hospitality and Healthcare, providing on-the-go entertainment without the need to log in and out of various streaming apps — similar to the AirPlay in hotels feature that Apple announced at WWDC 2023.

Android is also set to launch a new casting feature this year, allowing users to seamlessly move their Spotify and YouTube Music playback from a compatible Pixel phone to a docked Pixel Tablet when nearby.

With a focus on improving interoperability across smart devices, Android is preparing for the Matter standard, an open-source connectivity standard for smart home and IoT devices. LG TVs, select Google TV and other Android TV OS devices will act as hubs for Google Home, simplifying the process of adding and controlling Matter devices in homes with Nest Hub, Nest Mini, or compatible TVs.

Android Auto receives significant upgrades, starting with electric vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. These vehicles will now share real-time battery information with Google Maps, offering drivers estimated battery levels, suggesting charging stops, and estimating charging times.

Furthermore, Google's integration into various car brands, including Nissan and Lincoln, will bring Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more directly to car displays. Users can send planned trips from their phones to Google Maps on their car displays, ensuring a seamless transition between devices.