Google I/O isn’t the sole occasion where Google unveils fresh features for Android and its ecosystem of products and services. At MWC Barcelona 2024, Google unveiled a variety of new features spanning Android, Android Auto, Wear OS, Google Docs, and, various other platforms. This article explores all the latest features unveiled by Google at MWC 2024.
AI Features Coming to Google Messages, Android Auto, and More
Google has introduced the capability to interact with Gemini directly within the Google Messages application. This feature is currently in beta and is exclusively offered in the English language at this time. Google emphasizes that users can engage in conversations, compose messages, inquire about various topics, make plans, discover new ideas, and perform numerous other tasks with Gemini within Google Messages.
There’s no need to exit the Messages app to engage with Gemini; however, it operates within its chat window. It might have been more convenient if users could summon Gemini using “@” within any chat screen to ask questions before sending a reply. Maybe this functionality will be added in the future.
Additionally, within Android Auto, Google is leveraging AI to summarize your notifications, allowing you to stay focused on the road while driving. When you receive multiple notifications, pressing the “Play” button will now read out the summarized notification instead of the entire message. It’s important to note that if the text is under 40 words, it won’t undergo summarization.
The search giant assures that none of your messages are stored, and the data is not utilized for training AI models. However, before utilizing the feature, users must grant consent to the Assistant to enable notification summarization.
Finally, Google’s Lookout app (Free), tailored to aid individuals with low vision, offers an efficient way to gather information about the world. Utilizing computer vision technology, it reads text aloud and provides descriptions of images. Now, users can also verbally input their questions and request the app to provide further explanations or descriptions of the image. It’s important to note that this feature is currently exclusive to the English language.
Lens Integration into Google Maps
Google is introducing an AI-driven Lens feature to Maps. Users can now simply tap on the Google Lens icon adjacent to the search bar to activate the camera and view pertinent information such as restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and more in their surroundings.
Furthermore, pointing the camera at a restaurant or shop will prompt Android’s TalkBack feature to audibly relay details like opening hours, ratings, and additional information.
Wear OS New Features
At MWC 2024, Google unveiled two significant additions to Wear OS. Users can now access passes stored in their Google Wallet directly on Wear OS smartwatches. Whether it’s a boarding pass, tickets, cards, or membership cards, all can be conveniently accessed on the smartwatch. This feature is being gradually rolled out worldwide.
Additionally, users can now access public transit directions directly from their Wear OS smartwatches. Leveraging the compass on the smartwatch provides guidance to navigate to a desired location.
Switch Spotify Devices using Android’s Media Control Panel
Google has teamed up with Spotify to fulfil a long-awaited request by integrating a new feature into Android’s media control panel. Users can now seamlessly switch Spotify Connect devices directly from the output switcher menu on the media controls panel, eliminating the need to open the Spotify app for device changes.
Fitbit Integration with Third-party Apps
The Fitbit app now allows access to health data from connected third-party apps via the Health Connect app. It now supports integration with third-party health apps such as MyFitnessPal, Run Tracker, AllTrails, and more. The shared data can be viewed within the “You” tab in the Fitbit app.
Google Docs Annotation
Google Docs now includes annotation capabilities, allowing users to draw, highlight, or provide explanations directly within the document using a stylus or finger. The feature offers various highlighter options in different colours, as well as the ability to customize pen sizes and easily erase drawings.
That wraps up the key announcements from Google at MWC 2024. Which of these updates are you eagerly anticipating the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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