Google’s next Android update, Android 12 is still a few months away. But that hasn’t stopped the tech giant from rolling out new features for smartphone users. In a blog post published today, Google revealed six new features that will shortly show up on Android phones. The new features include updates to Messaging, Google Assistant, Password Security, and more:
1. Google Assistant is getting even smarter
A more refined, hands-free experience is coming to Google Assistant. Assistant now performs better even when your phone is locked or across the room with new cards that can be read with just a glance, noted Google in the blog post.
2. Scheduling text messages: Compose now, send later
Schedule send feature is previously in Gmail and now is coming to Messages on Android. “With schedule send, you can compose a message ahead of time when it’s comfortable for you, and schedule it to send at the right moment,” Google said. The feature will be accessible on phones running Android 7 and later.
3. Passwords will be ‘Secure’ on Android Phones now
Google is coordinating the Password Checkup feature on Android smartphones. This feature lets you know if the password you used has been previously exposed and what to do about it. It will be available on phones running Android 9 and later.
4. Talkback feature for visually impaired users
For those who are blind or have trouble looking at the display, a new version of Talkback, Android’s screen reader, is now available. A lot more features — more intuitive gestures, a unified menu, a new reading control menu — can be accessed without glancing at the screen.
5. Auto gets a bunch of new features
Custom wallpapers, voice-activated games and trivia will now be available on Android Auto. Google is also launching new shortcuts on the launch screen of Android Auto. These Android Auto features will be available in the coming days on phones running Android 6.0 or above, provided your car is compatible with Android Auto.
6. Google Maps gets dark mode
Dark mode is now available on almost every major app and is now arriving on Google Maps as well. Head to your Settings, tap on Theme and then on “Always in Dark Theme” to turn on the dark mode.