Latest Play Services update lays groundwork for media handoffs and item sharing

Google’s newest Play Services rollout is laying the groundwork for two notable upgrades to the Android ecosystem: streamlined media handoffs between devices and expanded item-location sharing within Find Hub. The update, version 25.46, began rolling out this week and introduces both consumer-facing improvements and developer-oriented APIs across connectivity, security, and system management.

The update introduces “one-tap transfer” suggestion chips within the Android media output switcher. Users accessing the expanded Quick Settings panel will see prompts to shift audio to nearby compatible devices, a feature Google first previewed nearly three years ago.

Originally teased in early 2023 as a notification-based system that would let users move audio between their phone, car, headphones, and TV, the latest implementation shifts the interaction to the media switcher UI. The capability is part of Google’s broader multi-device effort, which has already included Tap-to-Cast between Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet.

The update also includes fixes to device-connectivity services and new developer tools that allow apps to better integrate with multi-device features.

Find Hub—Google’s revamped and rebranded version of Find My Device—continues to evolve with support for a new “item location sharing” feature. The update adds backend services that handle encryption and aggregation for locations shared via URL.

Google announced earlier this year that users would eventually be able to share Bluetooth tracker data with participating airlines, enabling lost-luggage recovery similar to the AirTag-airline integrations on iOS. The newly added infrastructure appears to be the first step toward making those integrations possible on Android.

Find Hub has undergone substantial changes throughout 2025, including a redesign, the launch of its People tab, new tracker support, and upcoming additions such as UWB-powered precision finding and satellite-based location updates.

Beyond connectivity and item-sharing updates, Play Services v25.46 includes:

• Fixes across Device Connections and System Management services
• Security enhancements across phone, auto, TV, wearable, and ChromeOS devices
• Adjustments allowing game developers to delay Google Play Games profile setup until more convenient moments during gameplay
• A new link to updated Google Wallet settings
• Play Store updates that introduce more flexible “Quests” rewards and new transparency requirements for UK users regarding traders and withdrawal rights