Although announced with reference to the Pixel series of phones, the new Android features will be available to all users of the Google platform.
It’s the first time Google has done something like this – announcing no less than six major additions to the Android system in one piece of news.
Leaving aside the organizational details, the six new functions are all useful. We have on the one hand the earthquake alert system, through which Android users will be able to be alerted in real time. With this functionality, people in the targeted areas will be able to receive alerts in a few seconds for seismic waves to hit. Until now, this service has only been available to users in New Zealand and Greece. Turkey, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are now added to the list of supported regions. Google says it is prioritizing activating the service in high-risk countries, with more regions to be added next year.
Another improvement is the ability to post messages to the Android Messages app, which you can easily find later. All you have to do is press and hold the message, then check the “star” symbol displayed in its corner.
From now on, you will also be able to use Google Assistant to access certain features inside the applications. For example, you will be able to pay bills and initiate various activities with a simple voice command. The full list of supported commands can be found by saying “hey Google, shortcuts”.
Voice command support can be triggered at a glance at the screen, making it easy to navigate applications and use only voice. Password support has also been improved. When a password field is detected, you will be able to enter letters, numbers, and symbols, but by voice command.
Other improvements target the Android Auto experience. Now you can customize the home screen on your phone and set the dark mode. At the same time, it has become easier to browse content, and if you are setting up Android Auto for the first time, this process is now faster.
EV charging, parking and EV navigation apps are now also available on Android Auto, and the messaging experience has improved. You can read and send messages directly from WhatsApp and the Messages application. Extended Android Auto functionality is available on Android 6 and later phones connected to a compatible machine.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.