Google is preparing to make the biggest change yet to the Android ecosystem. The latest version of the Google Play Services app, version 26.02.31, contains APK code that indicates the company is working on Cross-Device Services, allowing Android devices to connect and work together in a similar way to Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
These features have been seen in the code for some time, but recent developments clearly indicate that Android 17 will be a turning point in this direction. Importantly, these changes will not be limited to Pixel devices. Because Xiaomi’s HyperOS is directly based on Google Play Services, these features will also reach Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.
Universal Clipboard: Copy on One Device, Paste Instantly on Another
The most significant feature revealed in the APK file is the Universal Clipboard. This will allow users to copy text, links, or images on one Android device and paste them directly onto another. This feature will be more stable than third-party apps, consume less battery, and operate at the system level. According to the code, this feature will be available under a new Handoff menu.
Do Not Disturb Sync: Silent on One Device, Silent on All
Google is also working on Do Not Disturb Sync. Once this feature is activated, if a user turns on DND on one device, all Android phones and tablets linked to the same Google account will automatically go silent. This won’t just be a simple toggle, but a complete system-level sync, ensuring the user’s silent state is consistent across all devices.
Task Handoff: Continue Where You Left Off
Google’s Task Handoff feature will provide an experience similar to Apple’s Handoff. If a user is running an app on their phone, the same app will appear as an icon in the tablet’s dock. With a single tap, the user can continue the same task on the larger screen, whether it’s reading an article in Chrome or writing an email. Will older Xiaomi devices also receive the update?
Since these features are not directly tied to the Android OS and are coming via Google Play Services, their rollout could be quite widespread. Even older Xiaomi devices running HyperOS or MIUI might gain access to these features through background Play Services updates.
What will come first?
Code suggests that Do Not Disturb Sync will be rolled out first, followed by Universal Clipboard, and then Task Handoff. Although the features are tagged with Android 17, Google has previously brought several service-level features to older Android versions through the Play Store.
Conclusion
Google now aims to transform Android from just a platform for individual devices into a connected multi-device ecosystem. The biggest beneficiaries of this shift will be users with Xiaomi phones and tablets, as HyperOS is already geared towards this direction.
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