What you need to know
- At MWC, Google announced several Android updates that are starting to roll out to phones, Wear OS and Android Auto devices.
- Google Messages is getting some Gemini flair as users will soon be able to chat with an AI bot to write texts and schedule events.
- Google is improving the screen reader in Maps, allowing users to point their camera at their surroundings to hear information read aloud.
- Wear OS devices are awaiting an update to Google Maps, which brings public transit information directly to your wrist.
Google details several new updates starting arriving today (February 26) for Android apps as MWC 2024 gets underway.
As detailed by Google, some of these new Android features are coming to our phones, starting with Messages. The announcement states that Messages will get a little more AI flair as Gemini enters. The AI bot will bring “Chat with Gemini,” allowing users to “compose messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or just have a fun conversation without leaving the Messages apps.”
Google says Gemini in Messages is starting beta “this week.”
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The next update brings an improvement to the Google Maps screen reader. Users can now point their phone’s camera at an object when they’re out and about, and “TalkBack” will read all readable information back to you. A few examples are working hours, grades or instructions.
Another accessibility update is ready to arrive for Google Lookout. This wave of Android updates brings AI-generated descriptions to the app, giving users the chance to understand the content of photos, online images, and photos received in messages. Google states that it targeted blind and partially sighted users with these improvements.
Users with Lookout should start seeing the update today (February 26) in English.
Spotify is getting some new streaming controls. The output switcher available on Spotify’s widget on your lock screen or quick panel will now show “Spotify Connect” devices. Users will be able to easily switch between listening to music on their phones and headphones, smart speakers or smart TVs.
The Fitbit app is next, receiving an update that brings a “more complete picture” of your health analytics to bolster its redesign. The release added that users can go to the “You” tab and find even more data from connected health-related apps such as AllTrails, Oura Ring and MyFitnessPal.
Your “Today” tab will offer more data on your workouts, steps, calories burned, floors climbed and more from any app supported by Health Connect.
Wear OS smartwatches get Google Wallet passes. Right from your Pixel Watch 2 or other Wear OS-ready device, users can access boarding passes, event tickets, and gym memberships, among other things. Google says it has included the ability for users to “hide or show” certain passes so the right ones are ready to show when you need them.
Google Maps on your wrist just got a little easier as the company introduces public transit locations. Without the need for a phone, your Wear OS watch can display departure times for buses, trains and ferries. More importantly, users can find “compass-guided” directions to their desired destination. Your phone can also mirror the instructions you’ve been looking at on your smartwatch.
Commuters will likely benefit from Android Auto’s new AI-powered summaries for long text messages. Google states that this also applies to all group chats. While driving, Android Auto will suggest “relevant” responses and actions that you can simply tap on the screen. Users can also find options to quickly send their arrival time to friends or start a call without reaching for their phone.
Busy workers using Google Docs on an Android tablet or with a pen on their phones will soon receive handwritten notes via markup. The announcement said that with the upcoming selection of marking tools, users can choose a pen color to highlight and offer feedback in a “fast, flexible and easy” way.
Most of these updates started rolling out today (February 26). It may take some time before they are available to everyone, so some patience will be required.