

Play Services v25.46 introduces one-tap media handovers, encrypted item-location sharing via Find Hub, system improvements, security patches, and refinements to Play Store and Wallet.

Google’s latest Play Services release, version 25.46, has begun rolling out this week, introducing a blend of consumer-facing upgrades and developer-centred improvements. The standout additions include a streamlined media handoff experience within the Quick Settings media output switcher, along with new backend support for encrypted item-location sharing in Google’s Find Hub.
The update also incorporates connectivity enhancements, strengthened cross-device security, and refinements across the Play Store and Wallet.
The media output switcher in Quick Settings now displays one-tap transfer suggestion chips, enabling quicker audio handoffs between compatible nearby devices. This interaction—originally previewed in 2023 as a notification-based transfer process—has been integrated directly into the media switcher to accelerate transitions between phones, cars, headphones, and TVs.
This enhancement forms part of Google’s wider multi-device strategy, building on earlier efforts such as Tap-to-Cast between Pixel devices.
Embedding transfers in the media switcher reduces user friction and encourages ecosystem partners to support more seamless audio continuity.
Play Services v25.46 adds backend technology enabling item-location sharing via URL, complete with encryption and aggregated location handling. This marks the first visible step towards broader integrations signalled earlier in the year—such as sharing Bluetooth tracker data with participating airlines to assist lost-luggage recovery.
Find Hub has evolved rapidly throughout 2025, gaining a redesign, a People tab, wider tracker support, and forthcoming features such as UWB precision finding and satellite-assisted location updates.
The new item-sharing infrastructure is designed to underpin these future capabilities and support partner workflows.
This release includes a range of fixes across Device Connections and System Management services, improving reliability for multi-device interactions and peripheral connectivity.
Security enhancements apply to phones, automotive systems, TVs, wearables, and ChromeOS devices. The update also strengthens the encryption and aggregation layers required for secure location sharing within Find Hub.
Game developers gain the flexibility to delay Google Play Games profile setup until a more suitable moment in gameplay.
The release also provides new APIs to support deeper integration with multi-device features and the refreshed connectivity framework.
Play Store enhancements bundled with v25.46 introduce more adaptable “Quests” reward structures and add new transparency obligations for UK users—specifically regarding trader details and withdrawal rights.
A newly added link provides easier access to updated Google Wallet settings, simplifying navigation to payment and card-management controls from the system interface.
For developers, this update reduces friction—such as allowing Play Games profile setup to be postponed—and delivers richer multi-device APIs that should encourage tighter integration with Android’s cross-device ecosystem. From a broader perspective, the impact will depend heavily on uptake from manufacturers and accessory partners, particularly regarding one-tap transfers and UWB precision finding.
Looking ahead: if carriers, device makers, and accessory brands adopt the new transfer and Find Hub frameworks swiftly, 2026 could see a notable rise in cross-device experiences, alongside trial programmes with travel-industry partners focused on lost-luggage recovery. Privacy and transparency measures—already reflected in the UK Play Store changes—are likely to expand as these capabilities mature.
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