Googlebook improves Android sync and Samsung support is rolled out

THE Googlebook’s main selling point is that it’s a desktop platform that integrates deeply with your Android phone, but, at launch, those “Better Together” sync features are in a messy place. Google is currently rolling out updates, including baffling support for Samsung devices.

Several basic features work between Android phones and Googlebook, including app streaming, notification syncing, “Continue” for compatible apps, and more. But at launch, everything doesn’t work as expected. Some features, like Instant Hotspot, appear to largely work, but others are either inconsistent, slow to activate, or simply unavailable. One problem is that it takes a bit of work to fully enable these features.

In a post on Reddit, Google explains that it has started rolling out a “smoother initial setup” for these features, reducing the steps required to actually configure these cross-device features. A bug where the QR code used to pair your phone continues to display even after Googlebook pairing is complete is apparently also fixed with this update. Google Play Services 26.37 (on phone) is the version you are looking for. You can check for Play Services updates through the Play Store. Cross-device services must also be updated to version 1.0.1346, again via the Play Store.

Apparently, these updates also seem to bring support for Samsung devices.

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Missing support for Galaxy smartphones was perhaps Googlebook’s biggest shortcoming at launch, at least in terms of compatibility. Google initially said it would happen “in the coming weeks,” a phrase that continues to be used. incredibly wave.

Here’s Google’s full breakdown of everything you’re looking for:

Check that your phone is running Android 17: Your Android phone must be running Android 17. To check your version, open Settings > About phone > Android version (your phone settings may vary). Better Together features work with compatible Pixel and Android 17 phones, including Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, Lenovo, Honor, Sharp, Sony, Samsung (One UI 9.0) and more.
Check your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Confirm that your phone and Googlebook are using the same personal Google account with both Bluetooth And Wi-Fi on.
Use a private home Wi-Fi network: Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, offices and customers use frequently isolation of clientswhich blocks direct local connections between your phone and your laptop. Suspend any active VPNs or network DNS blockers and test on a standard home Wi-Fi network.
Update Google Play Services: Google Play Services must be version 26.37 or higher. To make sure your phone has the latest version, select Settings > Applications (Or Apps and notifications)> See all apps. If Google Play Services does not appear, select More and then Show system. Select Google Play Services in the list of applications, then App Details (Or In-store app details). If an update is available, select Update.
Update cross-device services: Cross-device services must be version 1.0.1346 or higher. To make sure your phone has the latest version, select SettingsSO Applications (Or Apps and notifications), SO See all apps. Select Cross-device services in the list of applications, then App Details (Or In-store app details). If an update is available, select Update.
Sub-toggles Check Activity Continue: On your phone under Settings, To research Cross-device services > Continue the activity, and confirms that Tasks, Applications, Notifications, File and media sharing are all turned On.
Restart your phone and Googlebook to ensure that the changes take effect.

Some Samsung Galaxy users have already confirmed that the “Better Together” features work on their Googlebooks following these updates.

Samsung’s missing support was initially attributed by some to missing updates on Samsung’s side, but it looks like everything is taken care of at this point. However, you’ll still need One UI 9, which is only rolling out to a small portion of Samsung’s device catalog at this point.

Sound off in the comments below if you’ve been able to use any of these new Googlebook features, or if you even purchased a Googlebook in the first place.