Google introduces new features for Android, Wear OS, and Android TV
New features for Android, Wear OS, and Android TV from Google (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Android gives you the ability to customize your devices to make them more unique, functional, secure, and user-friendly. Here are 11 new features and updates available on your Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, and Google TV devices, including innovative approaches to using Google messages, according to the official Google Blog.
Android
On the Android platform, authorization is now possible using PIN codes and physical USB security keys FIDO2, providing convenient access to websites without the need to enter complex passwords. Even in case of loss or theft of the physical key, unauthorized access will be prevented without the corresponding PIN code.
The Google Messages app is currently testing the Voice Mood feature, which automatically adapts the background and emojis in the audio message to the tone of the voice, allowing for a more accurate expression of surprise or excitement.
An additional feature in Messages is the Reaction Effects. When using this effect to react to a message, the conversation partner will see an enlarged animation on their screen. This feature is currently in beta testing.
Reaction Effects (photo: Google Blog)
WearOS
Now, from the smartwatch, you can activate and configure compatible smart home devices, such as a robot vacuum or changing the lighting color in the living room. Two new modes, Home and Away, have been introduced, allowing control of all smart home devices with a single button press, triggering pre-set scenarios like turning off lights, activating cameras, and operating the robot vacuum.
Home and Away modes (photo: Google Blog)
Now, from the smartwatch, you can activate and configure compatible smart home devices, such as a robot vacuum or changing the lighting color in the living room. Two new modes, Home and Away, have been introduced, allowing control of all smart home devices with a single button press, triggering pre-set scenarios like turning off lights, activating cameras, and operating the robot vacuum.
Google TV
Users of Google TV in the United States now have access to 115 free channels, including over 10 new ones.
Accessibility features
The TalkBack screen reader mode has been implemented, allowing users with low vision to receive image descriptions, even if the authors did not provide such information: the neural network analyzes photos and creates textual descriptions for them.
Next week, a subtitle generation feature will be added for phone calls and locally saved videos on the smartphone. Later on, the ability to input a text response directly during a phone call will be introduced, which will be vocalized, enabling users with hearing and speech impairments to communicate effectively with minimal delays.
