Googlebook adds Samsung Galaxy support and improves initial setup

Google has rolled out support for Samsung Galaxy smartphones in its Better Together features, which link Googlebook with Android devices. Alongside this, the company is also pushing an update to streamline the initial setup process for cross-device services.

The news was shared by Google’s Mishaal Rahman on Reddit. The update is rolling out automatically over several days, with priority given when devices are connected to Wi-Fi and charging.

Supported Better Together Features on Samsung Galaxy

Four Better Together features are now available for Samsung Galaxy smartphones:

• Continue On

• Cast My Apps

• Quick Access

• Notification Syncing

These features are rolling out to Samsung devices running One UI 9.0 (Android 17). Although Better Together was temporarily unavailable on Samsung devices when Googlebook first launched, support is now live as previously promised.

• Android 17 Required for Googlebook Cross-Device Services

Streamlined Setup & QR Code Fix

An update to Google Play services reduces the number of steps required to set up cross-device services.

Additionally, the issue where a pairing QR code remained on the Googlebook screen even after completing setup on the smartphone has been resolved with this update. Updates will apply automatically through Google Play and background service patches.

System Requirements & Manual Setup Instructions

If you prefer to set up Better Together manually without waiting for the automatic rollout, check the prerequisites below and update the necessary apps manually.

System Requirements

• Supported OS: Android 17 or later (Pixel, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, Lenovo, Honor, Sharp, Sony, and Samsung devices running One UI 9.0)

• Google Account: Both devices must be logged into the same personal account (work profiles are not supported)

• Network Environment: Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices and connect to a home Wi-Fi network (avoid public Wi-Fi with client isolation; temporarily pause VPNs or DNS blockers)

Manual Setup Steps

1. Update Google Play services: Go to Settings > Apps (show system apps if hidden), open "Google Play services," and update to version 26.37 or higher via the store page.

2. Update Cross-Device Services: Open "Cross-device services" from your app list and update it to version 1.0.1346 or higher.

3. Enable Sharing Settings: In Settings, go to "Cross-device services" > "Continue On" and turn on sharing for tasks, apps, notifications, and files & media.

4. Restart Both Devices: Restart both your smartphone and Googlebook to apply the settings.

If setup fails, Google has published a troubleshooting guide where users can submit logs.