Google appears to be rolling out a new tethering feature for Android devices.
Some Android users have gotten a new feature called Instant Tethering with Google Play Services 10.2. This feature will link together devices that are tied to your Google account and make it easy to create a mobile hotspot with one device (like a phone) that you can connect to with another device (like a tablet).
When enabled, a device will seek out other devices connected to your Google account that also have a cellular data connection and then connect to them. You’ll also be able to see the charge level of your hotspot device’s battery.
This is a pretty nifty feature, as it can help save you time by not having to jump into Wi-Fi, seek out your phone’s mobile hotspot, enter a password, and so on. Unfortunately, the feature is currently only rolling out to Pixel and Nexus devices on Android 7.1.1. According to a Googler speaking to Android Police, though, the feature will become available on additional devices after more testing is completed.
To check if you’ve got Instant Tethering, go into Settings and go into the Google section. Here’s to hoping that Instant Tethering rolls out to more Android users in a timely manner.