14 DAY TRIAL // Google has been working on taking the device out of the equation when it comes to user experience and to make it seamless to move from one device to another. Google Chrome’s sync features go a long way towards this, but Google is now taking it one step further with the Chrome to Phone extension.
As you’ve probably figured out from the name, the extension enables users to link their browser and their phone, so long as both come from Google. If you happen to stumble upon a web page you like, a video or are looking up directions on Google Maps, you can send any of those and more to your Android phone with just one click.
“The new Chrome to Phone extension adds a button to your Google Chrome browser that instantly sends the current web page, map, YouTube video, or selected phone number or text to your Android device running Froyo (or Android 2.2),” Dave Burke, Engineering Manager at Google wrote.
“Suppose you're reading an interesting article on your favorite news website and need to leave for an urgent appointment. Simply click the extension icon in your browser to send the link to your phone and the device's browser will automatically open the link, ready for you to view on the go,” he explained one possible use.
But there’s more, one of the most useful options is the possibility to send Google Maps directions to your phone. Look-up a route on Google Maps, click the Chrome to Phone button and the data gets pushed to the Android phone. When you make the switch, the route will be loaded up in Google Maps for Android.
The extension also works for phone numbers, sort of like how the Skype add-ons work, but with real phones. Finally, you can even send plain text to the phone. Google has said it plans to make Chrome to Phone work with the iPhone as well.