Google today announced 6 new features on Android OS that focus on the safety of the users.
Android Earthquake Alerts System
With this free system, users in affected areas will receive notifications seconds before an earthquake strikes, providing you a prior warning in case you need to seek safety. They recently introduced the Android Earthquake Alerts System in New Zealand and Greece.
In addition, they now introducing it in Turkey, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Besides, they prioritize to launch this feature to countries with higher earthquake risks.
Star what’s important with the Messages app
You may now star a message in your Messages app to keep track of what’s essential. Also, you may simply retrieve it later without having to navigate through all of your chats. Then tap on the starred category to return to a message, such as your friend’s photo from your family reunion.
Contextual Emoji Kitchen Suggestions
In May, they added a new area to your recently used Emoji Kitchen stickers. And now once you’ve entered a message, Emoji Kitchen will provide contextual suggestions. These will assist you in finding the ideal emoji combo at the precise moment you need it. Contextual Emoji Kitchen suggestions are now available in Gboard beta and coming to all Gboard users this summer. And will be available this summer to all Gboard users for messages written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese on smartphones running Android 6.0 or above.
“Hey Google, shortcuts”
You may now use your voice to open or search for your favorite applications. You may use phrases like “Hey Google, pay my Capital One bill” to launch the app and perform the operation. Besides, you may also say “Hey Google, check my miles on Strava” to quickly see your weekly progress right on the lock screen.
Improved Password Input and gaze detection on Voice Access
Voice Access now offers improved password input. When it identifies a password field, it will allow you to enter letters, numbers, and symbols. With gaze detection, you may instruct Voice Access to only operate while you are looking at the screen. It allows you to naturally switch between talking to friends and using your phone. Besides, the gaze detection is currently in beta.
More customization and new app experiences on Android Auto
Moreover, you may now personalize more aspects of your Android Auto experience for ease of use. With this feature, you may personalize your launcher screen straight from your phone and manually enabling dark mode. It is now also simpler to browse content with new tabs in your media applications. It now includes a “back to top” option and an A-to-Z button in the scroll bar for more convenience.
They also added new Android Auto experiences such as EV charging, parking, and navigation apps to enhance your drive. Furthermore, they’ve enhanced the messaging experience so that you can access your favorite messaging applications directly from the launcher screen. By that, you may simply read and send new messages straight from applications like WhatsApp or Messages, which are now available internationally.
These Android Auto features are available on phones running Android 6.0 or later, as well as when connected to a compatible vehicle.
Source: Google
