Along with the tech and AI heat of the week — the MWC 2024 held in Barcelona, Google made a fresh new announcement with 9 latest Android updates. These updates are a handful of new Android features that comprise AI enhancements to Messages, Android Auto, and the capability to retrieve boarding passes and tickets directly from your Wear OS smartwatch. So, what’s new from these latest Android updates?
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What Are the 9 Latest Android Updates?
1. Google Gemini: Interact Directly within Messages (Beta)
The first seat of the latest Android updates goes to Google Gemini. You can take a look at this article to get a better understanding of Gemini. Beginning this week in beta mode, users can now access Gemini directly within the Google Messages app on their Android devices. Engage with Gemini to compose messages, generate ideas, organise events, or enjoy casual conversations — all without exiting the Messages application.
Gemini within Messages will be accessible in specific regions, offering support for English only and on selected Android devices. It is currently available in Canada in both English and French. Features’ availability may differ based on location and device, and a data plan might be necessary. Interested users can sign up for beta testing, with participants required to be at least 18 years old.
2. Android Auto: Keep Connected Safely While Driving
Using AI, Android Auto offers the ability to condense lengthy messages or group conversations while you’re behind the wheel. Additionally, it provides prompts for appropriate responses and actions, enabling you to quickly send a message, share your estimated time of arrival (ETA), or initiate a call with just a tap.
For instance, if you receive a message asking about your whereabouts while driving, you can simply press a button to automatically send your ETA without getting distracted.
3. Lookout: AI-Generated Image Captions
Google are expanding the global availability of their AI-generated image description feature, integrated into their Lookout app designed to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision in recognising objects and reading documents. This feature generates audio descriptions of photos encountered online or in messages using AI technology.
Although initially introduced in September, the feature was limited to English language users in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Now, users of Android devices worldwide can access image captions through Lookout, albeit currently only available in English.
4. Google Lens: Discover Your Environment Together with Google Maps
The latest Android updates come next to Google Maps. The improved screen reader assistance for Google Lens within Maps allows for easier exploration of nearby locations such as ATMs, restaurants, and transit stations. By pointing your phone’s camera at your surroundings, TalkBack will audibly provide details about the place, including business hours, ratings, and directions.
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5. Google Docs: Provide Input Using Handwritten Annotations
You can now incorporate handwritten annotations into Google Docs from your Android device using your finger or stylus. This feature offers various markup tools such as different pen colours and highlighters, making the process of reviewing documents and giving feedback quick, adaptable, and convenient.
6. Spotify: Uninterrupted Music with New Casting Controls
The output switcher on Android’s home screen simplifies the process of switching between devices while using YouTube Music, including your phone speaker, headphones, smart speakers, or TV. Now, this functionality extends to Spotify as well. When playing media on Spotify, the output switcher will display Spotify Connect devices, allowing for seamless device switching.
7. Fitbit: Health, Wellness and Data All in One Place
Moving on to the next part on the latest Android updates that touch on health. With the revamped Fitbit app on Android, you can conveniently access a comprehensive summary of your health data through the Health Connect feature. This feature integrates information from various wearables and apps such as AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.
Simply navigate to the You tab within the Fitbit app on your Android device to view data from connected apps, alongside your Fitbit data. Additionally, the Today tab provides insights like step count, calories burned, and distance covered from compatible apps.
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8. Google Wallet: Easily Retrieve Tickets and Other Essentials on Smartwatches
Access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and other items directly from your wrist with Google Wallet passes on Wear OS watches. Customise your display preferences to ensure your passes are readily available when you need them.
9. Google Maps: Quickly View Transit Directions at a Glance on Wear OS
Last but not least, easily access public transit directions on Google Maps for Wear OS, allowing you to keep your phone in your pocket and simply glance at your wrist to catch your bus, train, or ferry. View departure times directly from your smartwatch and receive compass-guided navigation to your destination. If you prefer, you can also mirror directions from your phone to your watch for hands-free navigation.
These Latest Android Updates Is a Hit for Android Users
These latest Android updates on the different apps showcase Google’s effort to bring in a more comprehensive app experience that maximises convenience through AI technology. Besides, these updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user accessibility, productivity, and convenience across their Android ecosystem.
And with the high growth potential in AI development, we can further expect better Android updates in the coming future. In the meantime, you might want to check out other brands’ commitment to their products, such as Xiaomi and HONOR.