There is a lot of opposition to Google’s Gemini AI image generation implementation. However, this isn’t stopping the industry leader in mobile and search from utilizing AI and expanding its use across more services. Google today unveiled a slew of new features for smartphones, automobiles, and wearables: Gemini for message creation, AI-generated image captions, text summarization for Android Auto, and Wear OS pass access.
The new features were presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, where Google has had a significant presence for years as the company that created Android.
According to the company, a feature that allows you to access Gemini within the app will be added to Google Messages starting this week. Only English is supported at this time, and the feature is in beta.
Additionally, Google is releasing a feature for Android Auto that reads group chat context and summarizes lengthy text messages. The feature, which debuted last month, also provides instant response recommendations.
At MWC, the search giant is also introducing a few features related to accessibility. First, the company’s Lookout app, which assists those with visual impairments with items like food labels and documents, will now produce captions for photos that lack or have incorrect alt text or captions thanks to artificial intelligence. All users worldwide who can speak English are now able to utilize the feature. Users were able to ask questions about images using the AI-powered assistant that Google added to the Lookout app last year.
Additionally, Google is releasing enhanced support for Lens in Maps with screen readers. TalkBack allows users to read information about nearby locations and signage by pointing the camera on their phone at the scene.
Google is adding productivity features to Docs on Android phones and tablets, allowing users to take handwritten notes with a finger or a stylus. Selecting distinct pen styles and colors to draw attention to specific areas within a document is possible.
The business is also introducing support for Spotify via an output switcher located on the Android home screen. This implies that you can use Spotify to resume listening to a song or podcast while switching between sources. This feature used to only work with YouTube Music.
Google is also adding the ability to retrieve data from various sources, such as AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal, to the Fitbit app. Last year, the company updated the app with a new three-tab layout. You can view information about exercise, steps taken, calories burned, and floors climbed on the Today tab. Additionally, Fitbit’s own data is displayed alongside data from other apps on the “You” tab.
This announcement also includes a few updates pertaining to Wear OS. Google Wallet passes, such as event tickets, boarding passes, gym memberships, and loyalty cards, can now be accessed straight from the watch. In addition, voice guidance for public transportation is available. Additionally, getting compass-guided navigation directions or mirroring directions from the phone are options.
