Android’s February Drop Brings New AI-Based Features،
Google's latest feature brings a variety of new capabilities to Android-enabled phones, tablets, smartwatches, and vehicles. The features focus on increasing productivity by further leveraging the enterprise AI bandwagon. Android users should expect to see these features within the next month, as they arrive on different types of devices around the world. Here's everything you need to know about the new features.
Summarize texts and choose from pop-up responses using Android Auto
Harnessing the power of Google's AI, Android Auto can now automatically summarize long texts from personal or group chats and display the summary on-screen while users drive. It also suggests relevant responses and actions, such as sharing the expected arrival time, sending a message, or initiating a phone call.
These features could help users focus on the road, mainly because they eliminate the need to immediately read the entire message. Smart Actions are very useful because they automate several actions, which would otherwise require pressing more buttons and distracting the driver for longer.
AI-generated captions and improved objective in maps
A feature developed for the blind and visually impaired communities, AI-generated captions help users listen to descriptions of photos, online images, and images in posts. Currently, the feature is only available in English.
Google Lens users can now point their camera at their surroundings and get a detailed description of the location, such as working hours, rating, directions or how to get there. Additionally, improved screen reader support for Lens in Maps helps users explore nearby places, such as ATMs, restaurants, and train stations.
With the Google Docs update, users can leave handwritten annotations in Docs from their Android smartphone or tablet. They can use their fingers or a stylus for this. Markup tools include a selection of pen colors and highlighters. This could especially help students who share homework or learn collaboratively through Google Docs.
Better organization of health and portfolio information
“Users can now see a complete picture of their health directly in the redesigned Fitbit app through Health Connect,” mentions the Google blog. Data from connected wearable devices and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal should be visible in the You tab of the Fitbit app, making it easier to track different metrics. In the Today tab, users can see data such as exercises, steps, calories burned, etc.
Google Wallet Passes are now available on Wear OS watches, allowing users to save and access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and more. other details directly from their wrist. Users can also choose which passes they want to hide and which ones they want to show.
Another feature coming to Wear OS is public transportation directions on Google Maps. In the future, Android smartwatch users should be able to access several details, such as departure times, compass-guided navigation, and other hands-free navigation right from their watch.
Other new features coming with the February Android release
Starting this week, users can access Gemini in Google Messages on their Android smartphones. Users can ask the AI chatbot to draft messages, refine tone, and check for grammatical errors in their messages. With Spotify, users can now access the list of connected devices (or output switcher) from the lock screen.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest news, reviews and technical guides.
