Earlier today, Google announced a bunch of new Android features that are coming soon or available right now.
The first is the digital car key. Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S21, is now available in select markets. Currently, it is only compatible with BMW cars.
Family Bell:
Then there is Family Bell, which will alert you and your family when important moments are approaching. You can receive alerts via phone, speaker, or smart display. Additionally to the shared “bells,” you can set “bells” on your own devices so you can keep track of your own goals. Holiday bells can include watering a tree, hosting a movie night with family, or volunteering for a local cause.
Upgraded Widgets:
Google is adding new widgets to three of its apps. With Google Play Books, you can access your entire library and see audiobook progress on your Home screen, Youtube Music lets you control playback on your Home screen, and Google Photos People & Pets gives you the option to select a few friends and pets to decorate your Home page with.
Next week, the Photos widget will be released, while the others are unsure when they will be released. As a result of this week’s launch of Memories in the app, you’ll be able to browse through curated photo and video collections from recent holidays and milestone events like birthdays and graduations. These can be renamed, personalized, corrected, or even removed using special controls.
Next month, Google Play Services will be able to automatically reset permissions for apps you haven’t used in a while. Once apps have been dormant for a while, this feature will automatically turn off runtime permissions, which allow them to access data and perform actions on your behalf. Permissions will be restored when the apps are reopened.
GBoard features:
You can now add a wrapped gift box emoji to Gboard, along with a new collection of furry friends to create cool combinations. Gboard Beta users will get these this week, and all users will get them “in the coming weeks”.
Android Auto:
Last but not least, Android Auto can be set to launch automatically when your Android phone is connected to a compatible car, and if you’re like us, you probably wonder why this wasn’t already a feature. On the road, you’ll be able to use smart replies “soon” with the Google Assistant to respond to texts more easily. In your media apps, you will also soon be able to use your voice to find music faster.
