Google announces six new features for Android, highlighting safety and accessibility

Google published a blog post to introduce in detail the six features coming to Android this summer.

Some of the six new features Google is rolling out

Improved features and functionalities from Google

According to Android product manager Fiona Lee, the goal of these updates to ensure users are "protected at every turn". They are continuously rolling out the new features to all 3 billion active Android users worldwide.

First off the list is the Android Earthquake Alerts System. This upcoming feature will alert people in affected areas seconds before an earthquake occurs. This has been available in New Zealand and Greece and it's now arriving in Turkey, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Allegedly, more countries will have it but the search giant is prioritizing areas with a higher risk of earthquakes.

Putting a "star" on a message you want to access easily

Next is an update in the Messages app, a feature to easily find a message. Users can place a star to "bookmark" a message by tapping then holding it. Google will also add a "Starred" category to organize all of the messages with a star.

Moreover, Gboard beta gets an update with contextual Emojo kitchen suggestions. After typing a message, relevant emoji mixes are proactively displayed at the top of the keyword. Google said that it will help the user discover the suitable emoji combination at the moment they need it.

More access to your apps just by using your voice

The fourth feature is enabling the Google Assistant to open or search specific places inside apps. It means users can say things like, "Hey Google, pay my Capital One bill". It will jump right into the app and complete the task. 

The next one is incorporating gaze detection in voice access so users can ask the feature to work only when you're looking at the screen. Reportedly, it can give a quick and efficient phone and app navigation with just your voice. It's also got enhanced password input too. When it recognizes a password field, it lets you input letters, numbers, and symbols.

Lastly, there's the more customizable Android Auto. Users can tweak settings like enabling dark mode and setting up their launcher screen. According to Google, it will be more convenient to browse the content due to new tabs in media apps.

EV charging, parking, and navigation apps are now available to use in Android Auto as well. The company said that they improved the messaging experience so users can access their favorite messaging apps from the launcher screen. These Android Auto features are available on phones running Android 6.0 or above, and when connected to your compatible car.

Source: Google