Offering new features for Android devices and apps, Features Drops will be talked about one last time in 2023. Instead, Google is talking about feature packs, perhaps because the former remains exclusive to Pixels. However, in a blog post, Mountain View introduced 11 new features for Android and Wear OS, as well as devices running Google TV.
Always more emojis
Thus, we learn about the arrival of new sets of emojis within the virtual keyboard Gboard. “Whether you have the perfect idea for a photo shoot 📸 + 🤯 or you’re cooking dinner for friends 🌟 + 🍗, there are more ways to share what’s on your mind.”specifies Google.
Google is still on the emoji front, and this time at the heart of the Google Messages app, Google is unveiling Voice Moods. Thanks to this function, which is still in the beta phase, voice message senders will be able to add a colorful background with animated emojis that show their state of mind. The app also makes use of reactions to messages (also in beta), displaying animated emojis around the text bubble.
New features specifically for Wear OS
Connected watches are also in the spotlight. Wear OS tackles home automation by adding more object control options. More device types are supported, such as vacuum cleaners, and it becomes possible to control groups of luminaires (on/off, intensity, color temperature, etc.). Connected watches also allow Google Home status to be managed directly from the wrist. It is therefore possible to switch between Home and Away modes to modify the configuration of connected devices with one click.
Still in the watches department, we learn about the upcoming integration of routines – available for several years on Android smartphones – into Google Assistant for Wear OS, which allows them to be launched with a simple voice command. There’s also a new At-a-glance assistant shortcut to view important information for the day at a glance (weather alerts, travel information, event reminders, etc.).
On the security side, Android benefits from configuring PIN passwords on physical security keys (FIDO2). Accessibility is also available with Talk Back, which displays image details aloud using artificial intelligence. Live Caption, the live captioning of calls and videos initially intended for Pixels, will be available in the coming weeks on more Android smartphones. It will no longer be limited to English, but Google has not specified the available languages.
As for Google TV, the changes are subtle, but still good with 10 new free channels. However, this announcement only relates to the United States.
