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Google is spotted testing a new feature for Android that aims to make video calls much better. According to 9to5google, the feature, dubbed “Device Groups,” lets users transfer video calls between devices.
Google’s latest features in the works for Android revolve around one idea: making Android devices more integrated and improving their cross-device functionality. The tech giant is already developing a “Link your devices” feature that allows for connecting multiple devices with the same Google account.
The “Link your devices” is now rebranded to “Device Groups” on Android. As the spotter notes, users would be able to invite their own device to a group, and after their invitation is accepted, they can transfer calls or share their internet connection with an offline device.
Android gets a feature for transferring video calls
Once you want to set up the Device Groups, Google gives you three options. First is the ability to transfer a video call between multiple devices. As Google explains, users can “See ongoing video calls from other devices and seamlessly move them here.”
This feature is helpful when you want to transfer a video call from your Android phone to a bigger screen, like a tablet. Of course, you should be signed into the secondary device with the same Google account.
The second option that Google offers is the ability to share the internet connection with another device. It works like hotspot sharing but more simply and straightforwardly. Also, it remains to be seen if it relies on hotspot or Bluetooth internet.
Finally, app developers can find the cross-device SDK on Android’s developer website to add multi-device experience to their apps. Google’s Cross-Device services currently rely on this SDK to bring Android app support to Chromebook.
The Device Groups feature is still in the works, and its release date is unknown. However, it seems useful for those who get many video calls on their Android phone and want to continue the call on a bigger screen. Similarly, Google is working on a feature for transferring voice calls between multiple devices.