Google I/O isn’t the sole venue for Google’s unveilings of fresh Android features and ecosystem updates. At MWC Barcelona 2024, Google rolled out enhancements not just for Android, but also for Android Auto, Wear OS, Google Docs, and more. Here’s a roundup of the latest features announced.
AI Integration: Gemini in Google Messages and Android Auto
Google introduces Gemini integration directly within Google Messages. Currently in beta and limited to English, this feature enables seamless chatting, drafting messages, asking questions, making plans, brainstorming, and more.
Chat with Gemini directly within the Messages app. It resides in its own chat window. An improvement would be the ability to summon Gemini with “@” on any chat screen for pre-reply inquiries.
On Android Auto, Google employs AI to condense your notifications, enhancing road safety by minimizing distractions. Pressing “Play” reads the summarized notification for multiple notifications. Notifications under 40 words are exempt from summarization.
Google states none of your messages are logged, and the data isn’t used for training AI models. Before utilizing the feature, you must consent to Assistant for it to start summarizing notifications.
Google’s Lookout app (Free), designed for assisting people with low vision, efficiently provides information about the world. It utilizes computer vision to read texts and describe images. Additionally, you can voice input your question and ask the app to further explain or describe the image. Note that this feature is currently available only in English.
Integration of Lens into Google Maps
Google adds an AI-powered Lens feature to Maps. Tap the Google Lens icon next to the search bar to view key information such as restaurants, hotels, ATMs, etc.
Point the camera to a restaurant or shop, and Android’s TalkBack feature will read out opening hours, rating, and more.
Wear OS New Features
Wear OS receives two major features announced by Google at MWC 2024. View passes saved in Google Wallet on Wear OS smartwatches, including boarding pass, tickets, cards, membership cards, etc. The feature is rolling out globally.
Additionally, view public transit directions on your Wear OS smartwatch. It utilizes the compass to guide you.
Switch Spotify Devices via Android’s Media Control Panel
Google partnered with Spotify to introduce a much-requested feature to Android’s media control panel. You can now switch Spotify Connect devices directly from the output switcher menu. No need to open the Spotify app. A godsend!
Fitbit Integration with Third-party Apps
Fitbit app can now access your health data from third-party apps connected to the Health Connect app. It supports third-party health apps like MyFitnessPal, Run Tracker, AllTrails, etc. The shared data is visible in the “You” tab within the Fitbit app.
Annotate on Google Docs
Google is adding annotation support to Google Docs. You can use a stylus or your finger to draw, highlight, or explain anything. It offers various highlighters in different colors and allows customization of pen size and erasing drawings with ease.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
