Google's 'Fast Pair' announcement for Windows shows everything that's wrong with Google

Source: Windows Central

Google is one of those companies that'due south piece of cake to dislike if you alive in the Microsoft ecosystem. Windows Phone fans often cite Google's refusal to make apps for the platform and actively block them, as 1 of the many reasons for its failure. Google has never embraced Windows save for making the Chrome browser (and one terrible app).

Ah yes, after xiv years, Google is doing something with Android on Windows. So brave.

Even in 2022, the company is still a holdout from putting Chrome in the Microsoft Shop despite Opera and Firefox participating. There'southward no reason for this every bit the new store policies accept no barriers for Google; it's spite, plain and simple.

That's why yesterday's announcement that Google is bringing Fast Pair to allow Android phones more easily connect to Windows rings hollow with me.

To epitomize, Google is going to back up Fast Pair on Windows, which will let you to "quickly gear up Bluetooth accessories, sync text messages and share files with Nearby Share."

Google pats itself on the back by noting, "For the first time with Android, we're also focused on building for other platforms, similar Windows, whether it'southward in gaming, productivity or other areas."

Google Fast Pair Hp Google'southward proposed Fast Pair only works with HP and Acer (for now). Source: Google

Ah yep, after virtually fourteen years, Google is now doing something with the world's near popular mobile Os on the world's most popular desktop 1. So brave. I'thousand thrilled a company with a market cap of 1.83 trillion was able to scrounge upwards the resources to make this happen.

So, why am I mad? It's the caveat: "We're working with Acer, HP and Intel to bring these experiences to select Windows PCs start later this twelvemonth." That's right, to use this characteristic, you'll demand to buy an Acer or HP PC. Select ones, too, not all of them. As well, notice no mention of Microsoft.

Now, I'k fine when OEMs develop proprietary software (similar Dell Mobile Connect) as an upsell to purchase their stuff. It'south mutual practice, and you tin't fault these companies for trying to add value to their products. Certain, information technology kind of sucks, but they do this for a skillful reason. You'll encounter information technology with PCs with foldable displays, as well, to fill in the gaps left by Microsoft in Windows 11.

But I take an issue with Google doing this directly with select OEMs on select PCs.

It doesn't have to be this fashion. Google could work directly with Microsoft.

Why isn't Google working with Intel (and AMD and Qualcomm) with Microsoft to make this something standard with Your Phone in Windows 11? Microsoft's Your Phone already syncs text messages, offers some sharing, and much more than, including photos and even mirroring the OS.

Moreover, pray you lot don't have a PC from another company. Maybe you lot have an HP laptop simply a custom-congenital gaming rig for your desktop or something by Lenovo (the meridian PC shipper on the planet). Enjoy using this bully characteristic by Google on i PC, but not the other.

But what a great experience with app redundancy! Users will get some neat new tricks with Fast Pair like Nearby Share, but other features with Your Phone.

Your Phone Surface Duo Imagine how good Your Phone would exist if Google helped. Source: Microsoft

It doesn't accept to be this way. Google could easily telephone upward Microsoft and be similar, "Let's make the Android experience on Windows really smoothen and work together." Simply they don't. And they won't.

This solution isn't rocket science. Google with Microsoft (and Intel, AMD, Qualcomm) could create a standard for Android phones in Windows 11 and then give that model to OEMs to build into PCs. If it costs extra money due to specific hardware requirements, make information technology optional for PC makers.

Sure, Google has Chrome OS to call back nigh, which is off-white, just they're already doing some stuff with Windows; it'southward simply half-assed. And clearly, Microsoft is embracing Android and Google where it makes sense (like embracing PWAs).

Google seems to be doing something similar with its plan for Google Play games on Windows. Nosotros don't know the full details yet, simply it seems Google is doing this (over again) on its ain without Microsoft'due south knowledge, input, or assistance (notice Microsoft and Google didn't co-announce that either). And it's probably a skilful bet you won't be able to find Google Play games in the Microsoft Store because Microsoft has cooties or something.

Let'southward exist articulate: Google has some of the earth's nearly used services and software, whether Gmail, Android, Chrome, search, etc. The company could exist doing much more to deliver top-tier experiences on Windows, but it chooses not to because information technology still acts like it is the 2000s. Imagine how good a native Google Mail app could be on Windows. Apple is the same, except fifty-fifty worse (e.g., it refuses to piece of work with Microsoft on Your Phone or requite any assistance).

If Google is truly "open" and wants its services and software everywhere, suck it up and work with Microsoft directly. It'southward time this kittenish behavior ends.

Where are all the guns in Dying Light 2?

Shooty bang blindside

Where are all the guns in Dying Light ii?

It's by design, sure, but in that location's a distinct lack of firearms in Dying Light 2. For improve or worse, modern medieval Villedor is a place to build your own weapons. But what happened to the guns and ammo and might it e'er make a improvement?