Google has unveiled a new feature for Android 17 called 'Continue On', enabling users to start tasks on their smartphones and continue them on compatible tablets, a move echoing Apple's Handoff.
Initial Smartphone-to-Tablet Support
At launch, 'Continue On' will only facilitate task transfers from smartphones to tablets. Users will see the 'Continue On' icon in the dock of their tablets, which will suggest the most recently used app from their phones, assuming the app is installed on both devices.
Functionality and Future Plans
The feature allows Android users to open documents or emails they were working on directly on their tablets. In some cases, it can also open the tablet's browser to the relevant page for continuing web tasks. Google plans to eventually make the feature bidirectional, but no timeline has been set for when tablet-to-mobile handoffs will be available.
Upcoming Testing and Interoperability
'Continue On' will be available for testing in Android 17's RC1 build, the first release candidate version. However, Google has yet to announce the specific release date. This development, alongside the recent introduction of Android-powered Googlebook laptops, marks an effort to enhance Android's inter-device interoperability, potentially rivaling Apple's ecosystem integration.
The introduction of 'Continue On' is seen as a significant step toward improving Android's ecosystem, providing users with a more cohesive and seamless experience across devices.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tech/934457/android-17-continue-on-handoff
