Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Google adds Samsung phone support to Googlebook’s Better Together features
Google is rolling out Better Together features that link Android phones with Googlebooks, its desktop computers.
The features let people use phone apps on a Googlebook, sync notifications and continue some activities across devices.
Samsung Galaxy phones were missing support when Googlebook launched, but support is now being added for phones running Android 17 and One UI 9.
Google is also updating the setup process and fixing a bug that left the phone-pairing QR code on screen after setup was complete.
The updates are rolling out through Google Play and background service updates, and some Samsung users have already confirmed the features are working.
To use them, a phone and Googlebook must share a personal Google Account, have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on, and meet minimum versions for Google Play services and Cross-device services.
Google is rolling out Better Together cross-device features for Samsung phones running Android 17-based One UI 9.0.
The features let users connect a compatible Android phone with a Googlebook to sync notifications, stream apps and continue activities.
Google says the updates are arriving through Google Play and background service updates over the next few days.
The rollout also includes a simpler first-time setup and a fix for a QR code that could remain visible after pairing.
Samsung support had been missing at Googlebook’s launch, while other compatible Android phones were supported.
- Who
- Google and users of Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 9.0.
- What
- Google is rolling out Better Together support for Samsung phones, alongside setup improvements and a QR-code fix.
- When
- The rollout was announced on October 11 and 12, 2026; updates are expected over the following few days.
- Where
- On Googlebook devices paired with compatible Android phones.
- Why
- To enable Samsung phone owners to use Googlebook’s cross-device features; the updates also simplify setup and fix a pairing issue.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Better Together features for Samsung phones running Android 17-based One UI 9.0
smoother first-time setup
Some Googlebook Better Together features were unavailable or inconsistent, including support for Samsung devices.
9to5Google reported that Google had started rolling out setup improvements and Samsung support.
Android Police reported that the features would roll out automatically over the next few days through Google Play and background service updates.
- Samsung compatibility
- Android 17-based One UI 9.0
- Google Play services
- Version 26.37 or higher
- Cross-device Services
- Version 1.0.1346 or higher
- Setup improvement
- Fewer steps to enable cross-device features
- Pairing fix
- QR code no longer remains on screen after pairing completes
Sources
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