Google has introduced new features for current versions of Android, some of which were previously only available on branded Pixel smartphones. Apparently, the innovations will appear either with the update of the corresponding applications, or along with new versions of Google Play services – some options will become available even on not the newest devices with Android 6.0. This was reported by Android Central with a link to the official developer blog.
Reminder Center in Google Assistant
The voice assistant gets more functions related to reminders. It can now create full-fledged recurring reminders, display a list of already created notes, and display recommendations based on recurring tasks (like a garbage disposal notification every Sunday evening).
Smartphone as a remote control for Android TV
From now on, you can control TVs and set-top boxes on Android TV or Google TV directly from your smartphone – either through the Google TV app or through the virtual remote control in the quick settings panel. A mobile gadget can not only switch channels or navigate through the TV interface items, but also act as a keyboard for entering complex passwords, movie titles or search queries. The developers also announced that in the coming weeks Google TV will appear in 14 new countries.
Protected folder in Google Photos
On Pixel smartphones, the Locked Folder feature for Google Photos has long been available, which allows you to hide selected photos and videos in a password-protected space. Now the developers have started to release it for all devices running Android 6.0 and newer.
Improved Gboard
Most of the innovations have become available for the branded keyboard. Perhaps the most useful was the improved clipboard – from now on, when copying text, Gboard automatically extracts important information (pin-code, URL-link, phone number, address, etc.) and offers to insert it through prompts.
Devices on Android 11 and newer will receive the Smart Compose function, which allows you to quickly add phrases with a hint suggested by Google – for this you need to swipe on the “Space” to the right.
Also, the developers announced a large-scale addition to Emoji Kitchen – the keyboard functions to cross pairs of emoticons to create a single sticker that can be sent in messengers. This fall, designers will unveil 1,500 new combinations, each hand-drawn.
Visibility settings for Nearby Share
Nearby Share is an iOS alternative to AirDrop that allows you to wirelessly transfer files between devices. Now this option has received visibility settings – the user has the right to specify who can detect his device (everyone, only users from the contact list or nobody).
Reminder to look around while using your smartphone on the go
In the spring of 2021, the Digital Wellbeing app introduced the useful Heads Up feature to Pixel devices, which reminds users to look around as they walk and use their smartphone on the go. Now this option will be available on all smartphones with Android 9.0 and newer.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
