Google has unveiled a range of new Android features, enhancing existing tools like TalkBack, Search, Chrome, and more. These updates, accessible to all supported Android devices, will roll out over the next two weeks.
Enhanced Accessibility and Music Search
TalkBack, Android’s screen reader, has received a major upgrade, aimed at helping users with low or impaired vision. With the integration of Google’s AI model, Gemini, TalkBack will provide detailed audio descriptions of images in texts, galleries, and social media.
Google also introduced a new music search feature, “Search by Circle,” enabling users to identify songs nearby by simply tapping the music icon. The feature will reveal the track’s name, artist, and even link to YouTube.
New Chrome and Maps Capabilities
Chrome’s new text-to-speech feature allows users to listen to articles and web pages, with customizable options for speed, voice, and language. Additionally, Google’s Earthquake Alert System, previously available in beta, is now active for all U.S. users, utilizing crowdsourced detection to send timely alerts.
Finally, supported Wear OS smartwatches now offer offline Google Maps, ensuring users can access maps without their phones. When connected, users can use voice commands for directions or check their location with a single tap on the watch screen.