• Source:JND
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For years, Apple users have enjoyed a smooth, interconnected ecosystem across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Features like Handoff made it possible to start reading an article on one device and continue exactly where you left off on another. Android users, however, have been missing out on this kind of deep cross-device integration. That may soon change.

What Exactly is Apple's Handoff?

Handoff is part of Apple’s Continuity suite. It lets you carry tasks across devices logged in with the same iCloud account. If you’re browsing on Safari on your iPhone, you can instantly pick up the same page on your iPad or Mac. The transfer happens seamlessly as long as the devices are nearby.

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Google’s Answer to Handoff

According to a report by Android Authority, Google is quietly working on its own take on Handoff. Early hints of the feature were discovered inside the Android 16 system code under a section called “Cross-device services”. This is where Google already keeps features like call casting and internet sharing.

The upcoming feature is designed to handle notification syncing, file transfers, and most importantly, app continuity. Imagine playing a video or draughting a message on your Android phone and then moving over to your tablet or even a PC—without losing your place. The system would prompt you on the taskbar, and with a single click, the app would open in the same state on the second device.

What’s Different From Apple’s Approach?

While the feature seems very similar to Apple’s version, Android Authority notes that there’s no sign yet of tasks moving back from PC or tablet to phone. That puts Google slightly behind Apple in terms of flexibility.

Interestingly, Microsoft has attempted something similar through its Phone Link app, but progress has been limited since Google itself wasn’t deeply involved. That’s now set to change, especially with Google’s upcoming Snapdragon-powered Android PCs and its long-term plan to merge ChromeOS and Android into a unified desktop OS. Such a move would make rolling out Handoff-like features far easier across devices.

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When Will It Launch?

If development continues as expected, Google’s Handoff alternative may arrive with Android 17, which is tipped for release next year.

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