Google announced 5 new features for Android users: Know what you will get and who will get these features
Google has released five new capabilities for Android users: Google Maps on Wear OS, improved accessibility, music search, web page listening, and earthquake alerts.
Ankush Pandey
INTRO
- A new Talkback upgrade provides visually challenged users with detailed descriptions of visuals.
- Circle to Search instantly identifies songs when long-pressed
- Google Maps is now available offline on Wear OS watches
Google has released five new intriguing features for Android users that should improve your interactions with Wear OS-powered watches, tablets, and smartphones. There is something for everyone in these improvements, regardless of whether you need accessibility tools, enjoy finding new music, or want to be better prepared for natural disasters. Let's examine each feature in plain English to understand how it might improve and ease your digital life.
TalkBack feature for people with low vision
For users who are blind or have low vision, digital content navigation can be difficult. Google's TalkBack is an accessibility tool that helps by reading out loud the words displayed on the screen. TalkBack can now describe photos in much more depth thanks to a recent upgrade using Google's cutting-edge AI, known as Gemini. TalkBack can now provide you with more accurate information when viewing your photo collection, visiting an online store or viewing photos on social media. Instead of just saying "a person", it can describe the person's appearance, their environment or their behaviour. Visually impaired users can now enjoy visuals more fully thanks to this improved accessibility and informativeness of digital content.
Gemini-support devices can use this capability, which increases accessibility to technology for all users.
Shazam-like music identification tool
Have you ever heard a song while out with friends or going through your social media feed and wanted to know what it was? You're covered by Google's new Circle to Search feature. Long-pressing the Home button or navigation bar on your Android device will now allow you to access music recognition without having to navigate between apps or utilise an additional tool. This will turn on Circle to Search, which will let you quickly find the song that is currently playing nearby.
You can watch a YouTube video of the song in addition to being informed about the song's title and artist. This function allows you to find new music without having to stop what you're doing, saving you time and making it really simple.
Too busy to read? Listen to web pages aloud
Google has introduced a new feature for Chrome that allows you to have online sites read aloud to you in case you prefer to hear content rather than read it. You may now hear the text being read aloud while you read a blog post, follow a recipe, or simply catch up on the latest news. To fit your tastes, you may even change the language, voice, and tempo. This is a particularly helpful tool if you find it easier to listen than to read, or if you're multitasking, such as cooking and following a recipe. It makes any webpage interactive by converting it into an audio experience, which is beneficial for people who prefer to listen rather than read.
Stay alert with Google’s Earthquake alert systems
Google's Earthquake Alerts System seeks to warn you in advance of an impending earthquake, yet they can still be deadly. Currently covering all 50 states as well as six territories in the US, this system uses data from millions of Android devices to identify earthquakes in real time. Your Android device will notify you of an earthquake a few seconds before it happens if it is detected in your region. You have time to duck for cover and get ready in these few, potentially vital seconds. You will be helped to be safe both during and after the earthquake by the alert's advice on what to do after it has occurred.
Access Google Maps straight from your wrist
Google Maps is now available offline on Wear OS watches, making it easier than ever to explore new cities. Say you want to explore while on vacation but you can't help but check your phone all the time. Now, even when your phone isn't with you, you can get a map straight from your smartwatch if you've downloaded it to your phone. This implies that you may go around the city, locate tourist attractions, or just return to your hotel using only your phone and an internet connection. Two additional shortcuts are now available in Google Maps for Wear OS.
There are two types of watch faces: one that uses voice recognition to search for destinations and another that uses a simple tap to reveal your current location. This is a practical way to discover new areas without relying on your phone.
Who will get these new facilities?
These features are beginning to be available to Android users, though availability may differ based on your device and location. For instance, only devices that support Gemini's TalkBack technology will be able to access the image captions. In a similar vein, only users in the US and its territories can utilise the Earthquake Alerts System. On the other hand, the majority of Android devices ought to be able to utilise other features like Chrome's audio capabilities and Circle to Search.
