9 new Android updates: AI will make you hear pictures (literally) and there\u2019s an 18+ requirement\u060c<\/p>\n
It's a brand new week and today Google is announcing 9 new neat updates<\/a> 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!<\/p>\n So, without further ado, let's jump straight into the 9 exciting<\/a> Android MWC (Mobile World Technology) updates:<\/p>\n 1. Chat with Gemini directly in Messages (beta)<\/span> 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.<\/p>\n 3. Listen to AI-generated image captions<\/span> 4. Explore your surroundings <\/span> 5. Give feedback with handwritten annotations in Docs<\/span>
Starting this week<\/a> 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<\/a> (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<\/span>
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> a call.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> at your surroundings and TalkBack will read aloud information about the location, like its opening hours, its rating, or directions to get there.<\/p>\n
With Google Docs Annotations, you can now add handwritten annotations to Docs from your android phone<\/span> or tablet using just your finger or stylus. With a selection of markup tools to choose from, such as different pen colors<\/a> and highlighters, reviewing documents and providing feedback is quick, flexible and easy.<\/p>\n