The Android operating system has recently added new features that can help one with their productivity.
Whether it is a phone, tablet or Wear OS smartwatch or in Android Auto-compatible car, these features can help to make life easier as well as keep a person productive, according to Google.
Here are nine ways one can keep up their productivity using these new features -
- Stay in touch while focusing on the road
With the help of AI, Android Auto can automatically summarize long texts or busy group chats while one is driving.
It will also suggest relevant replies and actions, so a person can simply tap once to send a message, share ETA or start a call.
- Hear AI-generated captions for images
With image captions in Lookout on Android, a person can listen to auto-generated AI descriptions of photos, online images and pictures included in messages.
Designed with blind and low-vision communities, this feature is now rolling out globally in English.
- Explore around with more accessible place information
Enhanced screen reader support for Lens in Maps helps to explore nearby and identify places like ATMs, restaurants and transit stations.
One can now point their phone’s camera at their surroundings and TalkBack will read the place’s information out loud — like its business hours, rating or directions on how to get there.
- Give feedback with handwritten markups in Docs
With Google Docs markups, one can now add handwritten annotations to Docs from their Android phone or tablet using just their finger or stylus.
With a selection of markup tools to choose from, like different pen colours and highlighters, reviewing documents and providing feedback is fast, flexible and easy.
- Listen uninterrupted on Spotify with new casting controls
The output switcher on Android’s home screen already helps you easily switch between devices when playing YouTube Music — whether it’s phone speaker, headphones, smart speakers or TV.
Now one can do the same with Spotify. So when they are playing media on Spotify, the output switcher will now show Spotify Connect devices.
- View your health, wellness and fitness data in one place
See a more complete picture of your health right in the redesigned Fitbit app through Health Connect — with data from one’s favourite wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring and MyFitnessPal.
- Access tickets, membership passes and more from smartwatch
With Google Wallet passes now available on Wear OS watches, one can access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards and more from your wrist.
- Get transit directions with a quick glance at the wrist
With public transit directions on Google Maps for Wear OS, one can leave your phone in their pocket and glance at the wrist to make sure to catch bus, train or ferry.
- Chat with Gemini right in Messages
Starting this week in beta in English, one can access Gemini right in Google Messages on an Android phone.
Chat with Gemini to draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events or simply have a fun conversation without leaving the Messages app.1
