New Android Feature, Instant Tethering Now Available Across Pixel And Nexus Products
Instant Tethering is a new Android feature that lets you select devices automatically to use the same cellular data connection as your smartphone.
Instant Tethering links up devices that are associated with your Google account to make it easier to stay online when a connection drops. So, if one device loses connection, it can just ask if you want to tether to your other device no additional setup necessary (uses Bluetooth to negotiate the connection). It even shows you the battery level of your other device. This makes the most sense with a tablet connecting to a phone, but it should theoretically work with any devices as long as one has a cellular connection.
This new feature is now available across numerous Pixel and Nexus products. Any Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1 and above can be a “host” and share its connection automatically with another supported device signed into the same Google account. “When you unlock a tablet such as the Pixel C, it will notice if there is no internet connection available, and will ask your Pixel phone if it has internet and battery life,”
According to Google’s Omri Amarilio explaining the feature, he said “If it does, we will give you an option to enable a secure hotspot and pair automatically, without even taking your phone out of your pocket.” Instant Tethering was first spotted in early testing late last month.
You don’t have to enter any passwords or manually switch on the feature; it’s one of those features with work ease that could prove very convenient for anyone with multiple Android gadgets so long as they’re of the Nexus or Pixel variety. Android pays very close attention to battery life during all this, according to Amarilio.
If you’re finished with the tablet but forget to disconnect the InstantTethering link, “we will notice that you stopped using your tablet and we will disconnect the hotspot for you to save your precious battery throughout the day.” This happens after about 10 minutes of inactivity.
Apple already offers a similarly effortless tethering function between iOS hardware and Macs. Android tablets are a first step, but if Google can make this feature work with Chrome books, it would help ensure that the cloud-connected laptops never get stuck without data so long as your smartphone is nearby.
Hope this feature would be made available to other smartphone products soon.
Instant Tethering links up devices that are associated with your Google account to make it easier to stay online when a connection drops. So, if one device loses connection, it can just ask if you want to tether to your other device no additional setup necessary (uses Bluetooth to negotiate the connection). It even shows you the battery level of your other device. This makes the most sense with a tablet connecting to a phone, but it should theoretically work with any devices as long as one has a cellular connection.
This new feature is now available across numerous Pixel and Nexus products. Any Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, or Nexus 6P running Android 7.1.1 and above can be a “host” and share its connection automatically with another supported device signed into the same Google account. “When you unlock a tablet such as the Pixel C, it will notice if there is no internet connection available, and will ask your Pixel phone if it has internet and battery life,”
According to Google’s Omri Amarilio explaining the feature, he said “If it does, we will give you an option to enable a secure hotspot and pair automatically, without even taking your phone out of your pocket.” Instant Tethering was first spotted in early testing late last month.
You don’t have to enter any passwords or manually switch on the feature; it’s one of those features with work ease that could prove very convenient for anyone with multiple Android gadgets so long as they’re of the Nexus or Pixel variety. Android pays very close attention to battery life during all this, according to Amarilio.
If you’re finished with the tablet but forget to disconnect the InstantTethering link, “we will notice that you stopped using your tablet and we will disconnect the hotspot for you to save your precious battery throughout the day.” This happens after about 10 minutes of inactivity.
Apple already offers a similarly effortless tethering function between iOS hardware and Macs. Android tablets are a first step, but if Google can make this feature work with Chrome books, it would help ensure that the cloud-connected laptops never get stuck without data so long as your smartphone is nearby.
Hope this feature would be made available to other smartphone products soon.
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