What you have to know
- At MWC, Google introduced a number of Android updates which might be beginning to roll out to telephones, Put on OS, and Android Auto units.
- Google Messages is receiving some Gemini aptitude as customers can quickly chat with the AI bot to draft texts and plan occasions.
- Google is bettering display reader in Maps, enabling customers to level their digital camera at their environment to listen to its info learn aloud.
- Put on OS units are in line for a Google Maps replace, which brings public transit info on to your wrist.
Google is detailing a number of new updates beginning to arrive right this moment (Feb. 26) for apps throughout Android as MWC 2024 will get underway.
As detailed by Google, a couple of of those new Android options are arriving for our telephones, starting with Messages. The put up states Messages will obtain some extra AI aptitude as Gemini makes its method in. The AI bot will carry “Chat with Gemini,” enabling customers to “draft messages, brainstorm concepts, plan occasions, or just have a enjoyable dialog with out leaving the Messages app.”
Google states Gemini in Messages begins “this week” in beta.
Picture 1 of 3
The subsequent replace brings an enhancement to Google Maps’ display reader. Customers can now level their telephone’s digital camera at an object when exterior, and “TalkBack” will learn any legible info aloud to you. Just a few examples are stated to be a enterprise’ hours, scores, or instructions.
One other accessibility replace is about to reach for Google Lookout. This wave of Android updates brings AI-generated captions to the app, giving customers an opportunity to know the contents of photographs, photographs on-line, and photographs obtained in Messages. Google states it has focused customers who’re blind and people with low imaginative and prescient with these enhancements.
Customers with Lookout ought to start noticing the replace right this moment (Feb. 26) in English.
Spotify is gaining some new casting controls. The output switcher accessible on Spotify’s widget in your lock display or Fast Panel will now present “Spotify Join” units. Customers will be capable to simply swap between listening to music on their telephones to their headphones, good audio system, or good TVs.
The Fitbit app is subsequent, receiving an replace that brings a “extra full image” of your well being analytics to strengthen its redesign. The press launch provides customers can head to the “You” tab and discover much more information from linked health-related apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.
Your “As we speak” tab will supply extra information on workout routines, steps, burned energy, flooring climbed, and extra from any Well being Join-supported apps.
Put on OS smartwatches are receiving Google Pockets passes. Straight out of your Pixel Watch 2 or different Put on OS-ready machine, customers can entry boarding passes, occasion tickets, and fitness center memberships, amongst others. Google states it included the flexibility for customers to “conceal or show” sure passes so the appropriate ones are able to show whenever you want them.
Google Maps in your wrist is getting a little bit simpler as the corporate rolls out public transit places. While not having your telephone, your Put on OS watch can show instances of departure for buses, trains, and ferries. Extra importantly, customers can discover “compass-guided” instructions to their meant vacation spot. Your telephone can readily mirror instructions you’ve got checked out onto your smartwatch, as nicely.
These hitting the street will doubtless profit from Android Auto’s new AI-backed summaries for prolonged textual content messages. Google states this extends to any group chats, as nicely. Whereas driving, Android Auto will counsel “related” replies and actions that you could simply faucet in your show. Customers may discover choices to rapidly ship their mates their ETA or begin a name with out reaching for his or her telephones.
Busy employees utilizing Google Docs on an Android pill or with a stylus on their telephones will quickly obtain handwritten annotations through markup. The put up states that with the approaching choice of markup instruments, customers can select a pen coloration to spotlight and supply suggestions in a “quick, versatile, and straightforward” method.
Nearly all of these updates have began rolling out right this moment (Feb. 26). It could take a while earlier than they’re rolled out to everybody, so some persistence might be required.
