Google might be working hard on Android 12, but you won’t have to wait that long to get new features on Android devices. The company today announced six new features coming to various devices running older versions of the mobile operating system with a slew of independent updates.
For people using Android Messages – the texting app included with Pixel phones and a few other devices that come close to “stock” Android – Google will now allow you to schedule messages to be sent at specific times. It can be used to remind a friend of something important, wish someone a very one-off happy birthday, or organize events. Google itself gives the example of sending an SMS to a friend in another time zone; that way you can schedule a message to come out when they are not asleep.
It’s also worth noting that Google introduced its password checker – the one it’s been using in Chrome for some time – to alert you if your login details have been exposed and potentially found on the shady parts of it. Internet. The tool applies to passwords stored with Google’s Android autofill feature, which works with a variety of apps. While your password is compromised doesn’t necessarily mean someone has stolen your information, it’s definitely a good idea to change it.
Google Maps also gets a proper dark mode. You can go to app settings, tap on “ Theme ” and select Always in dark theme. Likewise, you can choose to keep the theme light here if you prefer a brighter look.
Android has improved TalkBack, an accessibility feature for the visually impaired. The update includes “more intuitive gestures, a unified menu, a new playback control menu and more. You can read more about these improvements here.
Google also makes it easy to use the Assistant without touching or unlocking your phone. Your device will now display cards that can be read more easily to confirm your actions, and you can now allow more personal actions – like texting and making calls – without unlocking your device. Previously, the assistant would ask you to unlock your phone before you could perform these actions (unless you were using headphones), which often made them unnecessary; If I have already unlocked my phone, it is easier to just dial a number or type a message. It is a welcome change.
Finally, Google introduced a few updates to Android Auto, allowing you to customize your wallpaper, play trivia games through the assistant, and add shortcuts to the launch screen.
Over the past two years, Google has worked to make Android a bit more modular, allowing the company to upgrade important services and applications associated with the mobile operating system without requiring a full update of the system. system. While we’re sure to see more updates with Android 12, it’s nice to know that we don’t have to wait a full year to access some useful features.
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Published February 23, 2021 – 21:54 UTC
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