Play Services v25.46: Media Handoffs & Find Hub Item Sharing

Google’s latest Play Services release, version 25.46, began rolling out this week and brings a mix of consumer features and developer-facing changes. Headline additions are a streamlined media handoff experience in the Quick Settings media output switcher and new backend services for encrypted item-location sharing inside Google’s Find Hub.

The update also bundles connectivity fixes, cross-device security hardening, and several Play Store and Wallet adjustments.

One-tap media transfers arrive in the media switcher

What changed

The media output switcher in Quick Settings now surfaces one-tap transfer suggestion chips that prompt device-to-device audio handoffs to nearby compatible hardware. The interaction—previously previewed in 2023 as a notification-based transfer flow—has been moved into the media switcher UI to speed handoffs between phones, cars, headphones and TVs.

Why it matters

This refinement is part of Google’s broader multi-device strategy (which includes prior efforts such as Tap-to-Cast between Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet).

Placing transfers directly in the media switcher reduces friction for end users and encourages ecosystem partners to support seamless audio continuity.

Find Hub gains encrypted item-location sharing

New sharing infrastructure

Play Services v25.46 adds backend services that enable item-location sharing via URL, including encryption and location aggregation. This is the first visible step toward broader integrations that Google signaled earlier in the year—such as sharing Bluetooth tracker data with participating airlines to aid lost-luggage recovery.

Broader Find Hub evolution

Find Hub has iterated rapidly through 2025: it received a redesign, a People tab, expanded tracker support, and announced upcoming features like UWB-powered precision finding and satellite-based location updates.

The new item-sharing infrastructure appears designed to support those future capabilities and partner workflows.

Platform fixes, security, and developer controls

System and connectivity updates

The release includes a slate of fixes across Device Connections and System Management services, improving stability for multi-device interactions and peripheral connectivity.

Security and privacy enhancements

Security improvements touch phones, autos, TVs, wearables and ChromeOS devices. The update also builds the encryption and aggregation layers needed for safe location sharing within Find Hub.

Developer-oriented changes

Game developers gain more flexibility to delay Google Play Games profile setup until less intrusive moments in gameplay.

The update also exposes new APIs to help apps better integrate with multi-device features and the updated connectivity stack.

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Play Store and Wallet refinements

Play Store changes

Play Store updates packaged with v25.46 introduce more flexible “Quests” rewards mechanics and implement new transparency requirements for UK users—specifically around trader information and withdrawal rights.

Wallet and settings

A new link surfaces updated Google Wallet settings, making payment and card management easier to reach from system UI.

Editor’s Comments

For developers, the update reduces friction (for example, postponing Play Games profile setup) and supplies richer multi-device APIs, both of which should encourage tighter app-level integration with Android’s cross-device features. From an ecosystem perspective, the payoff depends on manufacturer and accessory support—especially for one-tap handoffs and UWB precision finding.

Prediction: if carriers, handset makers and accessory brands adopt the new transfer and Find Hub hooks quickly, expect a noticeable uptick in cross-device experiences in 2026, plus pilot programs with travel industry partners to test lost-luggage workflows. Privacy and transparency measures—already hinted at by the UK Play Store changes—will likely expand as these capabilities mature.