Tired of your Android acting so… Android? If yes, well, then you'll probably be happy to hear that Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, could soon mimic the iPhone's iOS.
There's a thing called "Universal Clipboard" that's to come soon, allegedly with Android 17 next year.
Copy that, paste this
Android vs. i
the battle rages on. | Image by PhoneArena
Right now, Android phones let you copy and paste inside apps, but your clipboard doesn't automatically sync to other devices. Copying text or images from one phone to another or to a PC requires extra apps or special keyboards, like Microsoft's SwiftKey. Google appears to be working on a system called Universal Clipboard for Android 17, per this detailed report.
Basically, this new feature would detect copied content on one device and send it to linked devices, starting likely with other Android phones and PCs.
Do you need Universal Clipboard?
Yes.
62.5%
Probably; I'll let you know when Android 17 drops.
37.5%
No.
0%
Less hassle, big win
If Google succeeds, Android users could copy text on a phone and paste it on a PC or Chromebook without extra apps. This would finally match Apple's Handoff and Universal Clipboard, which have long made iPhones, iPads, and Macs work seamlessly together. Cross-device clipboard syncing is not only practical, but it's so cool when switching between devices. It's one of the little things that make life easier.
So, the system seems to work like this: the Pixel System Service detects copied text, sends it to Google Play Services, which then delivers it to linked devices. Right now, the focus appears to be text only, not images. The feature hasn't launched yet, but it's clearly in testing and could appear in Android 17.
More than just cool
This might seem like an unimportant feature, but Universal Clipboard would help Android users enjoy seamless cross-device features without leaving the ecosystem. Unlike Apple, Android still offers more hardware freedom, so this could make the experience both flexible and convenient.
Besides, cross-device connectivity is real hot these days:
As you probably already know, Google has made a surprising breakthrough by allowing Pixel 10 devices to share files directly with iPhones using AirDrop. The new system connects Android's Quick Share with Apple's AirDrop, enabling two-way transfers of photos, videos, and other files without apps or cloud servers.
That's why I expect the Universal Clipboard in Android 17 to be a major bragging point, and I'm curious what else it'd allow us to do.
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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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