Google LLC is working to expand connectivity within its Android ecosystem with a plan to launch various new features later this year.

The initiative is aimed at making Android devices play nicely with others, part of a new initiative it calls “Better Together.”

One of the biggest updates announced today involves Google’s “Fast Pair” feature, which is an existing capability designed to make it easier to pair Bluetooth headphones with Android devices. This year, Google says, Fast Pair will be expanded to support auto-switching between devices, faster pairing to Google TV and Android TV, and more devices. The company is also planning to adopt the Fast Pair framework to help Android users install smart home devices more quickly.

In another update, Google will allow smartwatches that run Wear OS 3 to unlock paired Android phones and Chromebooks, similar to how an Apple Watch can unlock an iPhone. That’s expected to arrive in the coming months, Google said.

More important, perhaps, Google said it’s working with the likes of HP Inc., Acer Inc. and Intel Corp. to bring some of its Better Together features to their laptops. As a result, users will be able to use Fast Pair, sync text messages and also Android’s Nearby Share feature to share files quickly with their Windows-based personal computers and laptops.

Although the Windows integrations are noteworthy, there are more planned features for Chromebook users. Beyond Fast Pair and Nearby Share, Google said it wants to create a system where any messaging app on a user’s phone can be mirrored to their Chromebook.

It’s also planning to introduce a new feature called “Camera Roll on Phone Hub”that will make it easier to access photos on an Android phone with a paired Chromebook. Google further promised a new setup flow for Chromebooks that will allow users to pair the laptop with an Android phone when they’re first setting it up, sharing various settings and account information between the two devices.

Lastly, Google said it’s still working to add support for unlocking cars with Android phones via ultrawideband, a feature that will first work with BMW cars, whenever it arrives.

Images: Google