Google Announces Several Android Updates

Google this morning announced several new Android updates across phones, tablets, WearOS smartwatches, and Android Auto-compatible vehicles. With rare exceptions, these arrive mostly in the form of app updates, not system updates.

Here’s what’s new.

Chat with Gemini in Google Messages. As we see with other AI chatbots in other messaging apps, you can now chat with Gemini directly in Google Messages (in beta and English only). Why? Google says that you can use this feature to “draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or simply have a fun conversation.” You can learn more here.

Image captions in Lookout. Now available globally in English, Google Lookout automatically generates AI descriptions of photos, images on the web, and pictures included in messages for those with vision impairments.

Enhanced screen reader support for Lens in Google Maps. Now, you can point your phone’s camera at places in the real world—ATMs, restaurants, transit stations, and the like—and TalkBack will read information about the place—its hours, rating, directions to get there, and so on—out loud.

Handwritten annotations in Docs. Google’s word processor now supports handwritten annotations from an Android phone or tablet using your finger or a stylus. “With a selection of markup tools to choose from, like different pen colors and highlighters, reviewing documents and providing feedback is fast, flexible, and easy,” Google notes.

Spotify Connect support in the Android output switcher. Android lets you switch playing audio between your phone’s speaker, headphones, earbuds, smart speakers, TVs, and other devices from the lock screen or notification shade using the output switcher in the media controls tile. And now, it supports Spotify Connect too, so you can connect to even more devices. (Apple AirPlay support would be nice, while you’re at it.)

Health Connect dashboard in Fitbit. The Fitbit app was recently completely redesigned and now it’s been made compatible with Health Connect, so you can pull in data from other wearables and apps and see all of your health and wellness data using a single dashboard-like view.

Passes in Google Wallet on Wear OS. Google Wallet for Wear OS now supports passes so you can access your boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and so on right from your wrist.

Public transit directions in Google Maps on Wear OS. Maps for Wear OS now provides directions for public transportation. “Check transit directions and departure times for your bus, train, or ferry, and let your Wear OS smartwatch guide you effortlessly to your destination,” Google says. You can learn more here.

AI messaging updates on Android Auto. Android Auto now uses AI to summarize long text conversations and suggest replies and actions so you can stay focused while driving.