According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Google is planning to introduce a new feature called “Hold close to cast” on the Pixel Tablet. As the name implies, this feature will allow users to seamlessly move media from their phone to the tablet by simply holding the devices close together. However, it’s important to note that this feature has not been officially released by Google yet.
Screenshots of the settings pages for this feature reveal some important information. Firstly, both devices need to be connected to the same private Wi-Fi network for the casting to work. Additionally, not all media apps may be compatible with this feature. The process itself is straightforward: users just need to hold their phone close to the Pixel Tablet to initiate the casting. It’s designed to be a user-friendly experience.
Although not explicitly mentioned in the screenshots, it is possible that only Pixel models equipped with an Ultra-wideband chip (UWB) will be compatible with “Hold close to cast.” This means devices like the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, and the Pixel Fold may be the only ones capable of using this feature. More information about device compatibility will likely be revealed once the feature is officially released.
This feature aligns with Google’s vision for the Pixel Tablet as a smart display that can control and monitor various smart home devices. Additionally, the tablet’s speaker dock offers better audio quality for music and video content compared to a phone.
