TLDR: Google announces 9 new Android features at MWC 2024, including Gemini chat in Messages, AI accessibility, Wear OS updates, and more.
This article is a summary of a You Tube video “9 NEW Android Features! (Mobile World Congress 2024 Overview)” by 9to5Google
Key Takeaways:
- Gemini Expansion into Google Messages: Users in the Google Messages beta can test chatting with Gemini, which offers tailored responses for mobile, supports extensions (Gmail, Drive, Docs, YouTube), image generation, and image uploads. Conversations are private but not end-to-end encrypted, with adjustable chat history storage.
- AI-Powered Accessibility Features: New updates include AI-generated captions in the Lookout app for low vision communities and upgrades to the TalkBack screen reader with Google Lens for reading business information aloud.
- Wear OS Additions: Google Wallet on Wear OS 3.5+ now supports gym memberships, loyalty cards, and boarding passes, plus new public transit directions via Google Maps for buses, ferries, and trains.
- Android Auto AI Message Summaries: A feature that summarizes messages over 40 words or from multiple messages in the same thread, with relevant reply options, like ETA sharing.
- Google Docs Handwritten Annotations: For large screen devices, a new feature allows handwritten notes with a stylus or finger, enhancing usability on tablets and foldables.
- Spotify Connect in Android’s Media Switcher: Following YouTube Music, Spotify Connect support allows seamless media switching, part of Google’s broader media experience enhancement.
- Health Connect Integration with Fitbit App: Google’s Health Connect data will now be accessible in the Fitbit app, consolidating fitness stats from various apps in one place.
- Build Your Own Robot Tool: To celebrate Mobile World Congress 2024, Google introduced a tool for creating custom Android avatars, reminiscent of the 2011 Androidify app.
- Quality of Life Updates: The announcement included practical enhancements aimed at improving the Android user experience across devices.
- Community Engagement and Feedback: The presenter encourages viewer interaction for a deeper exploration of the new features and reflects on the direction Google is taking with Android.
