Last Updated on January 12, 2024 7:43 PM IST
Google has just released a new update for Chromebooks that lets you stream Android apps from your phone. Here’s how to do it and why you should try it.
What is the Phone Hub feature?
The Phone Hub feature is a way to connect your Chromebook and your Android phone. It lets you see your phone notifications, battery level, and data usage on your laptop. You can also reply to messages, control media playback, and turn on hotspot from your Chromebook.
But the most exciting part of the Phone Hub feature is that you can run Android apps on your Chromebook without installing them. That means you can access any app on your phone from your laptop, as long as they are on the same WiFi network and close to each other.
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How to use the Phone Hub feature?
To use the Phone Hub feature, you need to have a compatible phone and a Chromebook. Currently, only phones that run Android 13 or higher are supported, such as Google Pixel 4a or Xiaomi 12T. You also need to have the latest Chrome OS M115 update on your Chromebook.
- To enable the Phone Hub feature, follow these steps:
- On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Connected devices > Set up.
- On your phone, open the Google app and tap More > Settings > Google Assistant > Devices > Add device.
- Follow the instructions on both devices to pair them.
- On your Chromebook, go to Settings > Connected devices > Phone Hub and turn it on.
Once you have set up the Phone Hub feature, you can see a phone icon on your Chromebook’s shelf. Clicking on it will open a panel where you can see your phone’s status and access its apps. To stream an app from your phone, just click on its icon and it will open in a window on your Chromebook.
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What are the benefits and limitations of the Phone Hub feature?
The Phone Hub feature is useful for quickly accessing an app that you don’t have on your Chromebook. For example, you can check your Instagram feed, order food delivery, or scan a QR code from your laptop.
However, the Phone Hub feature is not meant for running heavy or complex apps, such as games or video editors. The app streaming quality may vary depending on your network speed and distance between the devices. You may also experience some lag or glitches while using the app.
If you want to use an app more frequently or extensively on your Chromebook, it is better to install it from the Google Play Store. That way, you can enjoy a smoother and more stable performance.
What else is new in the Chrome OS M115 update?
The Chrome OS M115 update also brings some other improvements and features to Chromebooks. Here are some of them:
- You can now sign PDF documents with your stylus or finger and save your signatures for future use.
- You can now search for keyboard shortcuts more easily with the redesigned Shortcut app.
- You can now customize your lock screen with widgets, such as weather, clock, or calendar.
- You can now use emoji suggestions when typing with the virtual keyboard.
The Chrome OS M115 update is rolling out gradually to all Chromebooks.
To check if you have it, go to Settings > About Chrome OS and click Check for updates. If you see an update available, click Restart to apply it.
