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The latest Android feature update brings Apple-like continuity of experience to devices except Samsung

Google has once again released a new set of features for Android users, and this one could change the way we use our devices on the go. One of the most important changes to this feature is the introduction of Instant Hotspot, a feature that aims to streamline the connection between Android devices.

Imagine you’re away from home, using an Android tablet or Chromebook and need an internet connection. Typically, you have to fumble around on your phone, activate the hotspot, find it on the other device, and then enter the password. Not a very smooth process, especially when you’re in a hurry. This is where Instant Hotspot comes in. It allows you to connect your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s hotspot with one touch, eliminating the need for passwords and tedious configuration.

This type of seamless device interaction is reminiscent of Apple’s Continuity features, which have long been praised for their ease of use. It’s great to see Android borrowing a page from Apple’s playbook, making the experience smoother and more intuitive.

However, as Mishaal Rahman reported for Android Authority, there is one notable exception to this new feature: Samsung devices. For unknown reasons, the Instant Hotspot feature will not be available on any Samsung phone or tablet. This is a bit of a hassle for Samsung users, especially those who own both Samsung phones and tablets. While Samsung devices already offer their own Auto Hotspot feature for seamless connectivity within the ecosystem, this new feature would extend this convenience to other Android devices as well.

Image Source: Google via Mishaal Rahman/Android Authority

It’s not entirely clear why Samsung devices are excluded from this feature, but encouraging users to stay in the Samsung ecosystem could be a strategic decision. Regardless, Samsung users will still be able to use Instant Tethering on their Chromebooks and Link to Windows on their computers. For anyone else with a phone running Android 11 or later, the Instant Hotspot feature is a welcome addition. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in how we use our devices on the go. This feature is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the Android ecosystem and is definitely a step in the right direction.