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Chromebook to Android instant tethering expands beyond Google devices
There were hints Google was expanding its Internet Tethering feature to third-party devices, and now it's official. The simple cellular hotspot connection is available on 15 additional Chromebooks and 31 further Android phones, making it that much easier to get online when you're away from WiFi. You can read the full lists for both below, but the Chromebook list includes models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, while the phones include relatively recent hardware from HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, OnePlus and Samsung. There's a good chance you're covered.
Chromebook instant tethering comes to non-Google phones
Chrome OS' Instant Tethering is very handy if you need to keep your Chromebook online, but there's still a major gotcha involved: you need a Nexus or Pixel phone for that automatic hotspot to work. Things appear to be loosening up, however. Numerous users talking to Android Police have reported that their Beta and Dev channel versions of Chrome OS now support Instant Tethering with non-Google smartphones. It's not clear how many devices are compatible, but readers have had success with multiple OnePlus and Samsung models.
Android's instant tethering is now officially available
Instant tethering started making its way to some Android users in late January, allowing them to set up an automatic hotspot connection between devices. Now that the feature is officially available, more people should have access to it -- but it still only works with Pixel and Nexus devices. The new FAQ section dedicated to the feature confirms what was reported before: Pixel and Nexus phones running Nougat can act as hosts or the source of internet connection. Tablets like the Pixel C and Nexus 9, as well as phones running Android Marshmallow, however, can only use shared data connections and can't act as hosts.
Google rolls out Instant Tethering for your Android devices
The latest version of Google Play Services comes with a feature that can ensure all your devices are always online. Austrian journalist Andreas Proschofsky has posted a screenshot on his Google+ account showing a new feature called "Instant Tethering." So long as you use one Google account for all your devices, you can program them to automatically create a hotspot connection to a phone with mobile data. Unfortunately, this is a limited rollout, so you might not be able to see the option even if you've already updated your phone or tablet.
