Android Cross-Device Services: Potential for Enhanced Windows Integration (v1.0.1020.0)

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📝 Key Points of This Article

• There is a possibility of strengthened integration with Windows in Android’s “Multi-Device Services” in the future.
• An analysis of the app code in the v1.0.1020.0 update for the Android “Multi-Device Services” app confirmed that descriptions regarding support for PC linking profiles have been added.
• The potential for enhanced “Multi-Device Services” between Android and Windows has emerged, which could improve the streaming display of Android apps via the “Phone Link” app for Windows.

“Multi-Device Services,” formerly known as “Cross-Device Services,” began rolling out in July 2024 for Android 11 and later. It is a feature that allows supported settings, functions, and services to be shared between Android and Chromebook devices logged into the same Google account.

Regarding this Android “Multi-Device Services,” there is a possibility that integration with Windows will be strengthened in the future. An analysis of the app code in the v1.0.1020.0 update for the Android “Multi-Device Services” app, released on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, confirmed that descriptions regarding support for PC linking profiles have been added.

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_PROFILE_COMPUTER"/>

<activity
    android:theme="@style/Theme.Transparent"
    android:name="com.google.ambient.streaming.core.CompanionDeviceSetupActivity"
    android:permission="android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_PROFILE_COMPUTER"
    android:exported="true"
    android:excludeFromRecents="true">
    </activity>

This code refers to the addition of permissions for linking Android with a PC and attributes for the settings screen. However, as the term used is specifically “COMPUTER,” it does not necessarily mean it is limited to Windows.

That said, current “Multi-Device Services” integration with Chromebooks is implemented with specifications equivalent to those for Android devices. On the other hand, integration with Windows is currently limited to services like “Quick Share” for file sharing and the “Phone Link” app.

In essence, there is a possibility that “Multi-Device Services” will allow integration between Android and Windows to be strengthened to a level comparable to that of Chromebooks. Further descriptions supporting this possibility were also discovered in the app code of the v1.0.1020.0 update for the Android “Multi-Device Services” app.

<queries>
    <intent>
        <action android:name="androidx.window.extensions.layout.ACTION_ENGAGEMENT_MODE_SERVICE"/>
    </intent>
</queries>

This refers to technical specifications for smoothly controlling window size and layout when streaming Android apps via the Windows “Phone Link” app. This suggests that “Multi-Device Services” between Android and Windows could be enhanced in the future, specifically improving the streaming display of Android apps via the “Phone Link” app for Windows. We look forward to further updates.

“Multi-Device Services” App Link