Google is rolling out four new Android features, and these aren’t limited to its Pixels. There’s also one bonus feature for Wear OS mentioned. Let’s dive in.
First, TalkBack, Android’s screen reader, will use Gemini models “on supported devices” to let you hear detailed audio descriptions of images, regardless of whether you’re looking at your camera roll, pictures in text messages, or on social media.
Next, Google has made official a Circle to Search feature we’ve already covered – the ability to identify what song is playing near you or on your phone.
Third, you can now listen to pages in Chrome, irrespective of their content. You can even choose a preferred listening speed, just like with podcasts, as well as the type of voice and language.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System is expanding to all US states and six territories, using crowd-sourced earthquake detection to provide potentially life-saving warnings seconds before the shaking starts. Once the shaking is over you’ll also get tips on what to do next.
Finally, you can use offline maps on Google Maps on Wear OS, just as we reported weeks ago. Your watch can access the maps you downloaded to your phone. Two new shortcuts let you search for destinations with your voice when you’re back online or view your location on the map with a tap on your watch face.