US tech giant Google has rolled out several new updates for Android users, expanding the capabilities of existing tools such as TalkBack and Circle to Search. On Tuesday, Google unveiled five new features, including improvements to Google Chrome and the Android Earthquake Alerts System, in addition to a notable update for Wear OS devices.
These updates, detailed in a recent blog post from Google, are coming to all compatible Android devices, not just Google's Pixel lineup. While the rollout of these features has already begun, it may take up to two weeks for all users to receive them.
One of the most significant upgrades is TalkBack, Android’s built-in screen reader designed to help users with visual impairments. The feature now uses Gemini, Google’s advanced artificial intelligence (AI) model, to provide richer audio descriptions for various digital images, including those in galleries, text messages, or social media posts. This improvement is intended to provide a richer experience for users who are blind or have low vision.
Additionally, the long-awaited music search feature for Circle to Search has been officially confirmed. This feature allows users with supported Android devices to identify music playing on their device or nearby. By tapping the music button, users can quickly view the song title, artist, and even a related YouTube video.
Google Chrome is also getting a major update with the introduction of a text-to-speech feature, allowing users to listen to articles and web pages directly within the browser. Users can customize the experience by adjusting the speed, voice type, and language, making it easier to consume content on the go.
The Android Earthquake Alerts System, previously available in beta, is now expanding to a wider audience in the United States. This system provides real-time earthquake warnings based on crowd-sourced detection technology, increasing safety for users in earthquake-prone areas.
Finally, Wear OS devices are set to receive offline Google Maps functionality. This feature allows users to access maps directly from their smartwatches, even without a smartphone connection. When connected to the internet, users can also search for destinations using voice commands and easily check their location with a tap on the watch face.
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Published: Sep 04, 2024, 09:32 PM IST
