Google has unveiled new Android features aimed at improving the user experience. The new upgrades, according to Google, are also focused on safety. With the new Android update, Google has added end-to-end encryption and starred messages for its Google messaging app. In addition, you may now use your voice to open Android apps. Android Auto has also been updated with new features.
Let’s explore the new features of Android’s latest update.
End-to-end Encryption For Messages: Previously, the security features for messages were only available to beta users. With the new update, end-to-end encryption is available to anyone with access to rich communication services (RCS). If the message is encrypted, the user will see a lock icon on the send button.
The sender and recipient must have the chat feature activated with an active internet connection. You can send messages via SMS/MMS, but these will not be completely encrypted. According to Google, end-to-end encryption is available for one-on-one conversations.
Android Earthquake Alert System:
Google is now rolling out an Android earthquake alert system in Turkey, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The alert system was first introduced in 2020 to help people in affected areas receive a signal seconds before an earthquake. The Android earthquake affect system was recently launched in New Zealand and Greece.
“We are prioritizing launching Earthquake Alerts in countries with higher earthquake risks and hope to launch in more and more countries over the coming year,” the company said.
Star conversations On Messages app:
Important conversations can now be marked “star,” and these messages will appear in a distinct section, allowing users to bookmark particular messages and quickly go back to them. To start a message, you must tap and hold it. Google said this feature would be available in the Messages app over the coming weeks.
Open Apps Using Voice
You can now use your voice to ask Google to open or search your favourite apps. For example, you can say, “Hey Google, pay my capital one payment,” and the app will open and perform the job, or “Hey Google, check my kilometres on Strava,” and the app will display your weekly progress directly on the lock screen.
Android Auto New Features
Users may now personalize their home screen directly from their phone and set the dark mode manually. In addition, Google has incorporated additional app functionalities to help you improve your driving experience. Electric vehicle charging, parking, and navigation apps are now available for use on Android Auto. The users will be able to scroll to the top of the list using a scrollbar with A to Z buttons.
Emoji Kitchen recommendations In Gboard
Emoji Kitchen stickers now have a new section where you can access the stickers you’ve recently used. When users type a message on the GBoard, contextual suggestions will appear in Emoji Kitchen. Google added that Contextual Emoji Kitchen ideas are now available in Gboard beta and will be available to all Gboard users this summer for English, Spanish, and Portuguese messages on smartphones running Android 6.0 and above.
Google said in a blog post, “This Android Auto feature is available on phones running Android 6.0 or later and when connected to your compatible car. We had improved messaging practices for apps like Messages and WhatsApp to make it easier to send or read messages.”
Kishor Kumar
Full Stack Technical Lead
A well-versed Senior Full Stack Developer who has the expertise of providing front-end and back-end development services. He is an effective and efficient personnel who knows how to make the right technical decisions at the right time. He understands the basics of working collaboratively with stakeholders, engineers, executives, and end-users to bring the ideas to life. He is a top-performer and motivator who has the added advantage of technology as leverage to achieve timely results.
