Google usually drops new features for Android devices every quarter and the new drop is here bringing nine additions to Android smartphones and other devices. Yes, these features are not Pixel exclusive, the Pixel drop is scheduled for next month. So, let’s take a look at what’s new in this quarterly feature drop.
The tech titan itself shared the details in its latest blog post, confirming the integration of Google Gemini in Google Messages, AI text summaries for Android Auto, additions to Wear OS, Google Docs, Health Connect, and more.
AI Text Summaries for Android Auto
Google expanded the AI integration and today brings another useful feature to Android Auto, which helps you keep in touch on the road. If you receive a long text message you can utilize the new feature for making a summary. Apart from that, there are smart actions for easier communication.
Google Messages gets Google Gemini
Google Gemini is the company’s newest and most advanced AI model, now available on PC, iPhone, and Android devices. Today, Google has expanded it to Messages, you can chat with Google Gemini to draft your messages, plan events, and more. The feature is currently available in beta in English, you can sign up for the beta program here.
Handwritten Markups for Google Docs
If you use Google Docs on your Android phone or tablet, then you can now simply add handwritten annotations using your finger or stylus. Just like the web interface on a PC, you can customize the pen’s or highlighter’s color.
Improved Screen Reader Support for Lens in Maps
Google Lens in Maps gets even better with enhanced screen reader support, you can now point your phone’s camera at your surroundings and TalkBack will read the place’s information out loud.
Spotify’s new Media Output Switcher
One of the much-awaited features for Spotify users, they can now easily switch media between devices for uninterrupted listening directly from the Android home screen. The feature is already available for YouTube Music and now it’s time for Spotify.
Fitbit will show stats from Health Connect
Google integrates the Health Connect service into the Fitbit app, so you get the complete picture of your health data. You will get data from your favorite wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal, this data can be accessed from the You tab. Whereas data like exercise, steps, calories burned, floors climbed and distance traveled can be checked from the Today tab.
Wear OS gets Google Wallet Passes
Google Wallet passes are finally here for Wear OS-based smartwatches, you can use the new feature to easily access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and more from your wrist. Obviously, you can customize the passes in the app and hide any pass you want.
Transit Directions
The new feature lets you navigate hands-free using Google Maps on Wear OS smartwatches. Google even says you can leave your phone in your pocket and simply use the new public transit directions on your wrist. You will get the departure timings and compass-guided navigation directions.
Hear AI-generated Captions for Images
An accessibility feature for blind and low-vision communities. In lookout for Android, you can now listen to auto-generated AI descriptions of photos, online images, and pictures included in messages. The feature is rolling out globally in English.
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