In brief,
- The latest TalkBack version provides visually challenged users with detailed descriptions of images.
- Circle to Search uses a long-press to immediately identify tunes.
- Google Maps is now available on Wear OS watches even when offline.
Google has just released five amazing new features for Android users that should improve how you use your tablets, smartphones, and Wear OS-enabled watches. These upgrades have something for everyone, regardless of whether you rely on accessibility features, enjoy discovering new music, or want to be better prepared for natural disasters. To understand how each feature may make your digital life easier and more fun, let’s break it down into simple terms.
With the TalkBack feature, those with low vision can
It might be difficult for people who are blind or have impaired vision to navigate digital material. TalkBack from Google is an assistive technology that reads text on the screen aloud. With the help of a recent upgrade called Gemini, which is powered by Google’s cutting-edge AI, TalkBack can now explain photographs in far greater detail. Imagine looking through your photo collection, perusing e-commerce sites, or viewing pictures on social networking platforms. TalkBack can now provide you with more precise information about the contents of those images.
Rather of merely referring to “a person,” for instance, it may describe the person’s appearance, their environment, or their behavior. As a result, people with visual impairments can interact more fully with visuals in digital information, which is more informative and accessible. With the use of this capability, devices that enable Gemini can make technology more accessible to all users.
A music identification technology akin to Shazam
Have you ever heard a song while out with friends or going through your social media feed and wanted to know what it was? You’re covered by Google’s new Circle to Search feature. Long-pressing the Home button or navigation bar on your Android device will now allow you to access music recognition without having to navigate between apps or utilize an additional tool. This will turn on Circle to Search, which will let you quickly find the song that is currently playing nearby. You can watch a YouTube video of the song in addition to being informed about the song’s title and artist. This function allows you to find new music without having to stop what you’re doing, saving you time and making it really simple.
Too preoccupied to read? Read online content aloud
Google has launched a new function to Chrome that reads online pages aloud to you if you would rather listen to material than read it. You may now hear the text being read aloud while you read a blog post, follow a recipe, or simply catch up on the latest news. To fit your tastes, you may even change the language, voice, and tempo. This is a particularly helpful tool if you find it easier to listen than to read, or if you’re multitasking, such as cooking and following a recipe. It makes any webpage interactive by converting it into an audio experience, which is beneficial for people who prefer to listen rather than read.
Use Google’s earthquake alert services to remain vigilant.
While earthquakes can be extremely dangerous, Google’s Earthquake Alerts System seeks to warn you before any shaking occurs. This system is currently being expanded to include all US states and six territories. It leverages data from millions of Android devices to identify earthquakes in real time. A few seconds before to the shaking starting, your Android device will notify you if there is an earthquake in the region. These brief moments may be vital because they allow you to duck for cover and become ready. In order to keep you safe both during and after the earthquake, the alert will also provide instructions on what to do once it has occurred.
Easily access Google Maps from your wrist
With Google Maps now available offline on Wear OS watches, exploring a new city has never been simpler. When on vacation, you want to explore without having to check your phone all the time. With this new function, you can access a map straight from your smartwatch even if your phone isn’t with you if you’ve downloaded it to your phone. This implies that you can use your phone or an internet connection to navigate the streets, locate tourist attractions, or simply return to your hotel.
Furthermore, Google Maps on Wear OS now features two new shortcuts: one that lets you voice-search for locations and another that lets you tap your watch face to view your current location. It’s a practical method of traveling to unfamiliar locations without being dependent on your phone.
Who will get these new features?
Users of Android are starting to receive these capabilities, though availability may vary depending on your device and location. For instance, only devices that support Gemini’s TalkBack technology will be able to access the image captions. In a similar vein, only users in the US and its territories can utilize the Earthquake Alerts System. On the other hand, the majority of Android smartphones ought should be able to utilize other features like Chrome’s audio capabilities and Circle to Search.