Sabrina Ellis, Director of Product Management at Google Inc., speaks during an event to introduce the Google Pixel phone and other Google products on October 4, 2016 in San Francisco, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Ramin Talaie)
Google is rolling out a new feature for Android devices named Instant Tethering as part of Google Play Services 10.2. With this feature, users will be connected to the internet when connection is lost.
Instant Tethering aims at simplifying the process of setting up a mobile hotspot through automating the process altogether. It is easier than sharing connectivity through Wi-Fi hotspot. Once multiple devices are connected to the same Google account, internet sharing will be enabled from one device that has cellular connectivity to the other. There is ease of use, once the initial set-up of the user agreeing upon its use is completed, then perhaps no further set-up necessary.
Once instant tethering is activated, android devices with no internet connections will be offered to go online by sharing the data of other smartphones and tablets. The device that would like to go online and the one that will be sharing its internet connection should be linked to the same Google account, with the negotiations of the connection facilitated through Bluetooth, BGR reported.
Reportedly, Instant Tethering is currently on a limit rollout. According to reports by Android Police, apparently the initiation will first be for Pixel and Nexus devices which are Android 7.1.1 Nougat powered. The Pixel C and Nexus 9 will not be able to function as mobile hotspots, but they will be connect to mobile hotspots created by the feature even if still on Android Marshmallow.
Android Police reported, "there is a server-side component to Instant Tethering", so compatible devices with installed Google Play Service 10.2 might not see the feature appear right away. For these devices, there is recommendation to have them restarted so as to trick of launching the feature.
Google has not disclosed an expected date for Instant Tethering to be rolled out to all Android smartphones and tablets. However, as the feature is still being tested on Pixel and Nexus devices, more Android devices should start seeing the Instant Tethering option.
Watch a video of Google's New Instant Tethering that allow fans to easily share internet across devices:
