Google launched an Android application streaming transfer function, which can directly use mobile phone applications on Chromebook. This feature was only a beta version, and now it has been officially released in the Chrome OS M115 update.
As long as the user has turned on the Phone Hub function, it can stream Android apps from the mobile phone without installing them on the Chromebook, and users can conveniently reply to messages or check the status of takeaways on the Chromebook without having to be distracted from picking up the mobile phone.
This feature is currently only supported on a handful of Google and Xiaomi phones capable of running Android 13. For Google, it requires at least a Pixel 4a or newer. For Xiaomi, it needs to be at least a Xiaomi 12T or newer. Additionally, the Chromebook and phone must be on the same WiFi network and in close proximity. If some networks don’t support this feature, users can also use Chrome OS’ Instant Tethering feature to establish a connection.
However, this feature isn’t suitable for running games or other high-load Android apps, and it’s more for handling notifications than for in-depth operations, which require the installation of apps. This feature gives Chromebooks some of the mobile integration found in macOS and Windows and may help users be more productive.
In addition to this feature, the Chrome OS M115 update lets users sign PDF documents and save the signature for later use. Google has also redesigned the keyboard-based Shortcut app, providing a new interface and easier in-app search.
