Google has announced a slew of new features making their way to some older and newer Android devices sooner or later. The new features range from minor improvements in Google Maps to Google Assistant, Android Auto, and even Google’s screen reader app, TalkBack. There’s also a new privacy-oriented Password Checkup.
These are part of the regular minor OS updates – similar to Apple’s iOS “point releases.”
Password Checkup
Using your Android phone, Google allows you to save login credentials of different platforms inside your account. The feature brings convenience by logging into different services and apps easily through “Autofill with Google.”
But now that Google presumably stores your login credentials, the company announced it would integrate Password Checkup into devices running Android 9 and above that tells a user if their password has been leaked on the internet.
Schedule SMS in Google Messages
Google announced one of the most anticipated features to arrive on the antiquated SMS service – the ability to schedule messages. The latest Messages app includes an SMS scheduling feature. It works in a simple way; write your message, tap and hold the send button, then select schedule send and pick a specific date and time.
This feature has been available for some time(at least on my end), and it’s only now that Google has given it an official announcement. Schedule send is not autonomous as you may think, though. For it to work, you have to keep your phone on, and it must be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. Otherwise, the app will not send the message.
But the feature is handy, especially if you have to send a specific text to your, say, boss or workmates, within specific times of the day – and you don’t want to inconvenience them outside work hours.
Schedule sending will be available to phones running Android 7 and newer.
Talkback Update
Google’s screen reader app, Talkback, has been updated to include some of the most requested features by the blind or those who have problems viewing a phone display. The latest version adds more intuitive gestures, a unified menu, a new reading control menu, and more.
Google Maps, Assistant, and Android Auto
Google Assistant is receiving subtle changes in the name of delivering a better hands-free experience. Google says the new update makes it easier to get things done on your phone without needing to be right next to it. It also adds new cards that can be read easily when your phone is locked as long as Lock Screen Personal Results in the Assistant settings is turned on.
With Lock Screen Personal Results, you can send texts or make calls hands-free while your device’s screen is locked.
Google Maps is (finally) getting dark mode (yay!). The new Theme section under the app’s settings includes a new “Always in Dark Theme” option for switching to the dark side. There’s also an “Always in Light Theme” option if you wish to switch back.
Android Auto has been furnished with custom wallpapers and voice-activated games like trivia and “Jeopardy!.” “Hey Google, play a game” will get you started with the voice-activated games while driving.
Additionally, Google has added new shortcuts on the launch screen for easier access to contacts. The new shortcuts also provide a way to use Google Assistant to do different things like checking the weather.
And if you have a car with a bigger infotainment display, the new Android Auto supports a split-screen view with Google Maps on one side and media controls on the other. Android Auto features will be available soon on phones running Android 6.0 or newer when connected to compatible cars.
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