Google Android feature.. Before the March feature drop for the Pixels happens, Google has some exciting news for all Android users. The firm unveiled a slew of new Wear OS and Android features at MWC 2024, many of which are either already available or will roll out shortly. Along with some significant accessibility enhancements, the announcement also brings about some much-needed improvements to quality of life.
Thanks to Health Connect, Fitbit’s You tab may get data from other trackers.
A relatively new Android software called Health Connect allows you to connect your fitness data both locally and discreetly on your smartphone, allowing you to use it across many applications. With Android 14, it’s now a required component of the OS, and Google is releasing several Fitbit upgrades that depend on it. Fitbit’s You tab on the bottom right will soon allow you to examine Health Connect data, according to the company.
“Data from your favorite wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal” are supported, according to Google, suggesting that there could be further services available. When certain applications are linked to Fitbit, Fitbit’s data will be shown alongside data from those apps: “You can view information from Health Connect-compatible apps on the Today tab, including exercise, steps, calories burned, floors climbed, and distance traveled.”
Handwritten annotations are added to Google Docs.
Google Docs has always been a terrific tool for collaboration, but sometimes you just wish you could make nice remarks instead of scribbling in the margins with a red pen. This is especially true for individuals who miss painting on paper. You’ll be able to do that on your Android tablet or phone with the MWC update. According to Google, you may annotate documents in handwritten form using a stylus or your fingertips using Google Docs markups.
Document evaluations will be more versatile with a variety of tools available, such as various pens, highlighters, and colors. A few circles and arrows may often convey a message more clearly than any amount of words could.
AI-generated picture descriptions and improvements to Maps that are inclusive
Lookout is now available everywhere in English, and Maps Lens is beginning to accommodate screen readers.
As part of its Lookout accessibility service, Google debuted AI-assisted picture captioning last year for a select group of testers in the blind and poor vision populations. With the help of this technology, one may ask questions about the photos and listen to automatically created captions and explanations of images on the web and in applications. Following a brief test period, these AI-assisted English picture captions are now being distributed worldwide.
Google Maps’ Lens is getting a new function like to this one soon. With TalkBack, it enables visually impaired users to aim their camera to establishments and other interesting locations, such as gas stations, ATMs, and dining establishments, and have their phone read aloud the description to them. This contains details on the location, business hours, and rating.
Upgrades are coming to Spotify, Wear OS, and Google Messages
Wear OS Maps enhancements, Gemini in Messages, and Spotify Connect in the Android media player
We’ve gone over Google’s upcoming announcements in further depth. Google is officially integrating Gemini into Messages, enabling you to communicate with the generative AI bot from inside your RCS messenger, after months of leaks. The last missing form of transportation to be added to the Wear OS watch is the ability to finally get Google Maps transit directions directly on your wrist if you own one. Additionally, Google and Spotify now want to add Spotify Connect compatibility to the Android media player’s output selection, a full year after the original announcement.
When each function will be available on your phone is not totally known according to Google. Usually, the organization moves slowly in order to find any faults or issues before they affect an excessive number of customers. Make sure to upgrade your phone and applications to the most recent software version and see if there are any outstanding Google Play System updates if you’re interested in any of the new capabilities. The new features may not show up for some time even then.
