Google is rolling out four new Android features that aren’t limited to Pixels. It also hints at an additional feature for Wear OS. Let’s dive in.
First up, TalkBack, the Android screen reader, will use Gemini models “on supported devices” to let you hear detailed audio descriptions of images, whether you’re viewing your camera roll, photos in text messages, or content on social media.
Then, Google officially launched the Circle to Search feature we already mentioned — it allows you to identify a song playing nearby or on your phone.
Third, you can now listen to pages in Chrome, regardless of their content. You can even choose your preferred listening speed, just like with podcasts, as well as the voice type and language.
Android Earthquake Alerts expands to all U.S. states and six territories, using crowd-sourced earthquake detection to deliver potentially life-saving warnings seconds before shaking begins. Once shaking ends, you’ll also get advice on what to do next.
You can finally use offline maps with Google Maps on Wear OS, as we reported a few weeks ago. Your watch can access maps downloaded to your phone. Two new shortcuts let you search for destinations by voice when you’re back online, or see your location on a map by tapping the watch face.
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