Android gets a load of helpful updates, as seen at MWC 2024.
Google introduced several new features for Android devices and appliances at MWC 2024.
Without further ado:
Android Auto gets summarisation
Android Auto makes it easier for you to stay on top of groupchats and long messages with its summarisation feature.
Android Auto, the operating platform for Android-connected cars, now get a summarisation feature for long messages and group chats. The feature also offers relevant templated responses and are one-tap to reply. This new feature is said to help drivers better focus on the roads without missing out on important information.
AI-generated captions for images
Android users can listen to descriptions of photos, online images, and pictures found in messages. These descriptions are generated by AI. Google said that this feature was designed with low-vision folks in mind, and it’s currently rolled out in English.
Screen readers support for Lens in Google Maps
You can now point-and-shoot places while inside Google Maps and have the place’s informations read back to you aloud. Things like business hours, ratings, directions, are no longer a mystery, and the extra accessibility makes it easier for folks who require vision assistance.
Handwritten markup in Google Docs, on Android
New to Android is handwritten annotations in Google Docs. You can now use your finger or a stylus to append markups in Google Docs, making the experience much more fluid and interactive than before.
New casting controls for uninterrupted Spotify
You know how there’s an output switcher for your Android casting that lets you swap between the phone’s speakers, your TV, your true wireless earbuds, and your room speakers? Android now supports that on Spotify, and it will show all devices that support Spotify Connect. You no longer need to enter the Spotify app to do the same now.
Fitbit Health Connect now shows health data from multiple sources
Health data from your third-party apps now show up in one comprehensive view under the redesigned Fitbit app. Called Health Connect, it can show information from apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal. It logs all your progress collected from other apps and connected wearables too.
Google Wallet passes are now available on Wear OS watches
Your Wear OS wearable lets you access your boarding tickets and membership passes now. The Google Wallet on smartwatches even offers to show or hide certain passes, so you won’t have to worry about clutter for your most-used cards and memberships while on the go.
Transit directions for Wear OS
Google supports Google Maps on Wear OS, which isn’t surprising. But, what’s new is the additional support for transit directions on wearables, which means you only need to raise your wrist to check if you’re going in the right direction. You can also get departure times for various public transport options all on your Wear OS smartwatch.
Try out Gemini in Google Messages
Starting as a beta during MWC 2024 week, Google’s self-built AI, Gemini, can be gotten via the Google Messages app. You can Chat with Gemini to try drafting messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or have a conversation with AI if you’re inclined.
Google at MWC 2024
Android Avenue at MWC 2024 has plenty of Android things for you to see and try.
Google has a massive floor space for Android products and services at MWC 2024. Located between Hall 2 and Hall 3 is the Android Avenue, where visitors can interact with concepts and showcases of Android across racing cars, AI, and even make a personalised Android Bot on-site.
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