Google has announced a raft of changes coming to some Android devices soon. Here’s what’s new and which phones are receiving the boost.
It might only be January but there are already some big changes coming to Android phones. Google has just announced its next big software release which packs 6 pretty mighty changes including big improvements to AI and better ways to share content. The feature drop is rolling out from this week on most Pixel devices so, if you own one, it’s worth checking your device to see if it’s received the changes. Here’s everything that’s new in the latest Google release
You can take your temperature
If you have a Pixel 8 Pro in your pocket you can use the device to check your temperature. That’s thanks to a new medical-grade feature in the Thermometer app.
Simply scan your forehead with your phone to get an accurate body temperature measurement for you or your family. You can then save your results to your Fitbit profile for an even deeper understanding of your health and wellness.
Search gets more simple
Another nice feature coming to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is more simple search. Arriving on these devices from January 31 is something called Circle to Search. This does exactly what it says on the tin. All you have to do is circle something on the screen and Google will do the rest.
For example, you can use it to find what clothes someone is wearing in a video or even get extra help with a tough crossword clue. All of this can even be done without ever leaving the app you’re using.
Improve your messages
Google’s generative AI technology is getting better. Thanks to this latest update you can use it to rewrite a drafted message in different styles via the new Magic Compose feature. This is available on any Pixel from the Pixel 6 and newer.
The idea is that you can use it to make your messages more concise, professional or dramatic. And this all happens on-device on Pixel 8 Pro, thanks to Gemini Nano, Google’s most efficient model built for on-device tasks.
Respond with personal Photomoji
Want to react to a message with a cutout of your smiling face or pet dog? Photomoji on Google Messages now allows you to quickly transform photos into instant reactions.
Simply select the photo, review the object you’d like to react with and hit send.
Share your content
There’s now a far easier way to share files and photos with friends and family. The popular Nearby Share feature has now been upgraded and renamed Quick Share.
This now lets you share pictures, files and text quickly from your Pixel to billions of compatible devices across the Android, ChromeOS and Windows ecosystems.
Simply tap the new Quick Share icon from the share sheet, and you can see a list of devices in your proximity that you can share content to — even if you’re offline.
Better compatibility with other devices
Pixel Buds Pro automatically connect when you move between paired devices — so there’s no need to switch them manually. Now, you can switch your Pixel Buds Pro from your Pixel Watch to any number of Pixel phones or Pixel Tablet, and get helpful notifications about where your audio is switching to. That makes your switching experience even smoother and allows you to seamlessly transition between devices and activities.
Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
