Google rolled out 9 new options for Android units, together with a number of generative synthetic intelligence (AI)-based options, on Monday, February 26. The announcement of the options has coincided with the primary day of the Cell World Congress (MWC) 2024. The spotlight among the many options is the mixing of Gemini, the corporate’s newest AI-powered chatbot, into the Messages app. Whereas it’s at the moment in beta testing, the tech large has begun rolling out different options for smartphones, Android Auto, and Put on OS.
The announcement was made by way of a put up on Google’s Newsroom, which highlighted that these new options are geared toward enhancing productiveness of customers. Gemini’s integration with Google Messages is an fascinating growth by the corporate. Customers who’ve enrolled in Google’s beta testing programme ought to quickly see it. The function provides a separate chat field for Gemini the place they’ll have a dialog, ask queries, get it to write down or rewrite messages and far more. With this replace, Gemini is obtainable as a standalone app, as digital assistant, and throughout the Messages app. It’s not sure whether or not the function shall be included within the Gemini Superior plan as soon as it’s out of testing.
Messages app just isn’t the one place the place AI is being added, nevertheless. Android Auto can be getting an identical function the place generative AI can summarize lengthy texts or group chats and browse it out whereas the consumer drives. It is going to additionally counsel related replies and actions that may be chosen by way of only a single faucet.
One accessibility function can be being added to the Lookout app. The app is designed for visually impaired customers and may establish objects, learn texts, and extra by the smartphone’s digital camera. It is going to now mechanically create AI-generate captions for photographs seen on-line or obtained by messages and browse it out to customers. It’s rolling out globally in English. In the identical vein, Google Maps can be getting an replace to Lens in Maps, which was first added in October 2023. Customers can now level the telephone’s digital camera at environment and the TalkBack function will learn the place’s data out loud, together with its enterprise hours, ranking or instructions on methods to get there.
A number of non-AI options are additionally making their debut. Probably the most notable is the handwritten annotation function for Google Docs on Android. This may permit customers to write down and draw with both fingers or stylus on paperwork to create notes for themselves. The second is a tweak to the output switcher for Spotify, which permits customers to select the system the place the output of the sound will come from. This will now be executed straight from the house display screen.
Lastly, shifting to the Put on OS-based options. Google is now rolling out an replace to its Well being Join app that may permit customers with wearables akin to Fitbit, Oura Ring, and apps akin to AllTrails and MyFitnessPal to combine their information. The app will present detailed view of well being and health trackers and can present actionable insights on them.
Final two Put on OS options are smaller however will be helpful for some customers. Google Pockets passes are actually out there on Put on OS smartwatches and can permit customers to entry them straight. Google Maps for Put on OS will now present public transit instructions to assist customers catch a bus or a prepare. The app will present particulars akin to departure occasions, compass-guided navigation, and choice to mirror instructions from telephone to the smartwatch.
For particulars of the most recent launches and information from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and different corporations on the Cell World Congress in Barcelona, go to our MWC 2024 hub.