9 new Android updates: AI will make you hear pictures (literally) and there’s an 18+ requirement،
It's a brand new week and today Google is announcing 9 new neat updates which are brought to you with the aim of simplifying your daily activities by doing more on your devices. This includes not only your phone, tablet or Wear OS smartwatch, but also your car!
So, without further ado, let's jump straight into the 9 exciting Android MWC (Mobile World Technology) updates:
1. Chat with Gemini directly in Messages (beta)
Starting this week in English beta, you can access Gemini directly in Google Messages on your Android phone. Chat with Gemini to write messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or just have a fun conversation without leaving the Messages app (Gemini in Messages will be available in select markets, in English only, on select Android devices. Available in Canada in English and French. Feature availability may vary by market and device, and data plan may be required. Sign up for beta testing. Users must be 18 years and older)2. Stay in touch while focusing on the road
With the help of AI, Android Auto can automatically summarize long texts or busy group chats while you drive. It will also suggest relevant replies and actions, so you can simply tap once to send a message, share your ETA, or start a call.
Let's say someone messages you “Where the hell are you?” while you are driving. Since you don't want to get distracted, you can simply press a button and your estimated time of arrival (ETA) will be sent to whoever is so obsessed with you.
3. Listen to AI-generated image captions
With image captions in Lookout on Android, you can listen to automatically AI-generated descriptions of photos, online images, and images included in posts. Designed for blind and visually impaired communities, this feature is now rolling out globally in English.
4. Explore your surroundings
Improved screen reader support for Lens in Maps helps you explore your surroundings and identify places like ATMs, restaurants, and public transit stations. You can now point your phone's camera at your surroundings and TalkBack will read aloud information about the location, like its opening hours, its rating, or directions to get there.
5. Give feedback with handwritten annotations in Docs
With Google Docs Annotations, you can now add handwritten annotations to Docs from your android phone or tablet using just your finger or stylus. With a selection of markup tools to choose from, such as different pen colors and highlighters, reviewing documents and providing feedback is quick, flexible and easy.
6. Listen uninterrupted on Spotify with new streaming controls
The output switcher on Android's home screen already helps you easily switch between your devices when listening to YouTube Music, whether it's your phone speaker, headphones, -smart speakers or your TV. Now you can do the same with Spotify. So when playing media on Spotify, the output selector will now show Spotify Connect devices.
7. Check your health, wellness and fitness data in one place
Get a more complete picture of your health directly in the redesigned Fitbit app through Health Connect, with data from your favorite wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring and MyFitnessPal. In the Fitbit app on your android phone, go to the You tab to see data from connected apps alongside your Fitbit data. And in the Today tab, you can see data like exercise, steps, calories burned, floors climbed, and distance traveled from Health Connect-enabled apps.
8. Access tickets and more from your smartwatch
With Google Wallet Passes now available on Wear OS watches, you can access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards and more from your wrist. Choose which passes to hide or show so they're ready to use when you need them.
9. Get public transit directions at a glance
With transit directions on Google Maps for Wear OS, you can leave your phone in your pocket and glance at your wrist to make sure you're catching your bus, train, or ferry. Find departure times directly from your smartwatch, then get compass-guided navigation directions to your destination. If you prefer your phone, you can also view directions on your watch and navigate hands-free.