Google is working on Handoff-like Push feature for Chrome OS and Pixel phones

Google is working on a Push feature for Pixel smartphones and Chrome OS. It is a Handoff-like feature, which allows users to use apps from their Android device on their Chromebook. It is unknown when the feature will appear.

Details about the feature were noted by 9to5Google, which highlights the Push feature in its APK Insight article series. In it, the website decompiles and examines Android apps that Google uploads to the Play Store. The tech website writes that the new function is presented as a ‘Push’ button, which will be added to Android 12. This will allow users to “use their phones’ apps directly on a Chromebook when they are at home.” 9to5Google notes a com.google.pixel.exo string, which indicates that the feature may be available exclusively for Google’s Pixel devices.

It is already possible to install Android apps on a Chromebook, but it seems that the Push function works by streaming a video feed from an Android app on their smartphone to a Chrome OS device. This allows users to continue work they performed on their Android smartphone directly on their Chromebook. This makes the feature somewhat similar to Apple’s Handoff feature for iPhones and Macs.

Users could enable the Push feature from an Android device by opening the multitasking menu in Android 12, then pressing ‘Push’. Then, users will see a notification on their Chromebook to accept the Push feature, after which the pushed app will appear in a new window on the Chromebook.

The feature could also be enabled directly from a Chromebook. It uses an existing feature that allows users to see Android notifications on their Chromebook. In the future, users can click on such a notification to mirror the app in question to their Chromebook.

The Push Button in Android 12. Image by 9to5Google