Google is introducing a host of new features and improvements to Android devices through the latest Android feature drop. This update is designed to streamline your interactions and enhance your overall experience with Android.
With the latest update, you can now instantly identify music you hear by simply long pressing the Home button or navigation bar and tapping the music icon, thanks to Circle to Search.
For quick access to links in QR codes or barcodes, just long press the Home button or navigation bar when the code is on your screen. TalkBack now provides detailed audio descriptions for images, bringing digital visuals to life.
You can also have webpages read aloud in Chrome, with customizable options for speed, voice, and language. Wear OS users will soon benefit from offline maps directly on their watches, allowing navigation even without a phone.
Additionally, the Android Earthquake Alerts system is expanding nationwide in the US, offering timely alerts and safety tips during tremors.
Lastly, the new Collections by Google Play widget on your Home screen helps you easily access and manage your favorite apps based on how you use them.
Here’s what’s new:
Google explained the new features and improvements:
Instantly search music you hear in the moment—without switching apps. Whether it’s a great song on social media or music playing from speakers near you, simply long press your Home button or navigation bar and tap the music button to identify the song with Circle to Search.[1]
With Circle to Search QR and barcode, you can access links in barcodes and QR codes right when you see them—no switching apps. Whether it’s a screenshot, photo, website, or email, just long press the Home button or navigation bar when a code is on your screen. [2]
Detailed audio descriptions make the images on your device more accessible. Whether it’s social media, online product images, or your camera roll, TalkBack can bring digital images to life, powered by Gemini models.[3]
Listen to a page in Chrome and hear text on webpages read aloud. Customize your audio experience further by choosing the reading speed, type of voice, and language you prefer. [4]
Keep exploring with offline maps on your Wear OS watch[5]. Coming soon, when you download a map to your phone, you can also access it right from your watch[6] for more ways to navigate and discover new places, even if you’ve left your phone behind.
The Android Earthquake Alerts system is now available nationwide in the U.S., helping you react to earthquakes faster. If there are tremors, the system can alert you so you can seek safety. And once the shaking is over, you can tap for tips on what to do next. [7]
Collections by Google Play makes it easier to jump back into your favorite apps. With a tap of the new Collections widget on your Home screen, you can access the immersive space where you’ll find recommended actions for your most-used apps based on how you use them. [8]