Google's Cross-Device Services allow users to stream apps from their Android phones to Chromebooks

• Google's latest update enables streaming Android apps from supported smartphones to Chromebooks.
• The list of devices that support the app streaming feature is relatively short.
• The cross-Device Services app is available for free on Google Play Store.

After more than a year since its announcement, Google has finally introduced its ‘app streaming’ feature to Chromebooks. The recent update to the ‘Cross-Device Services’ on the Google Play Store suggests that this feature could be a game changer, allowing users to seamlessly stream Android apps on their Chromebook and interact with them as if they were on their devices.

Mishaal Rahman was the first to spot the update, and although he initially had trouble getting it to work, he later succeeded in tweeting from a Chromebook using the Twitter app that was being streamed from a Pixel 6 Pro. However, users must have a few things in place for the feature to work, including a supported handset running Android 13


The list of devices that support the app streaming feature is relatively short. However, if you own or are using any of the following smartphones, you should be able to take advantage of the feature: Asus Zenfone 9, Google Pixel devices, Nothing Phone 1, Oppo A78 5G or Find N2 Flip, Redmi's A2 or Note 12, and Xiaomi's 12T or 12T Pro.

If you want to try out the feature, Mishaal Rahman recommends that you check your Cross-Device Services version and ensure it's updated to version 1.0.285.1 from the Google Play Store.
How can you use Cross-Device Services?
Although still in beta, the app streaming feature can be activated through a compatible device. To activate the feature, go to the Chromebook Phone Hub settings, where an ‘Apps (Beta)’ listing should appear. If you have access, you should be able to start streaming apps from your supported Android handset to your Chromebook.

This addition is a unique and incredibly useful feature for Chromebook and Android users. What's even better is that audio streams to the Chromebook from the Android handset, and microphone input from the Chromebook can be used for the streamed app.

If you have a compatible handset and want to try this out, you can download the new update from the Google Play Store.

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