The setup process for Android phones could soon become faster, as Google plans to add another device type to its Fast Pair feature, according to an APK teardown of Google Play Services.
The feature hasn’t been officially announced by Google, but tech enthusiast Mishaal Rahman was able to enable it ahead of the rollout. He explained that the new Fast Pair-powered setup experience for Android phones will quicken the initial discovery of devices in the setup process.
When it becomes available, new devices will broadcast their status via Fast Pair during the setup process, allowing any Fast Pair-enabled Android phone nearby to detect the new device and display a half-screen popup with a shortcut to the QR code scanner.
Pixel devices won’t require additional steps, but users of other OEM devices may need to install a third-party app, such as Samsung Smart Switch, to transfer settings and data.
The feature will only speed up the initial discovery process and won’t provide additional options to help users select data to transfer to the new phone or improve transfer speeds.
The Fast Pair-powered setup experience could launch with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S23 series. More details about the experience will be shared once it becomes available.
Here's a first look at the new Fast Pair-powered setup experience for Android phones. The device being setup broadcasts its status via Fast Pair, and any Fast Pair-supporting Android phones nearby will get a half-sheet popup that opens a QR code scanner. pic.twitter.com/5UF2x75QnS
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) January 26, 2023