Android 17 is getting its own version of Apple Handoff

Google is adding a new feature to Android that matches Apple serviceallowing you to start a task on your Android phone and continue where you left off on a compatible tablet.

“Continue” is meant to be ultimately interactive, but Google says so that during installation it will only support the tasks of moving from a smartphone to a tablet. Android tablet users will see a Continue icon in the dock showing the most recently used app on their phone, assuming it’s also installed on the tablet.

It should allow Android users to directly open documents they hold, or jump directly into an email they have opened. In some cases, it can open the tablet’s browser to a great website so you can continue working online instead.

Google says Keep On will be available for testing Android 17‘s RC1 build, its first release, although it didn’t specify when it would arrive. It also did not say when tablet and phone handoffs will be supported. Along with last week’s announcement of Googlebook laptops powered by Androidit opens the door to greater Android compatibility that can match Apple’s impressive cross-device connectivity.