Google Rolls Out Nine New Android Features; Brings Gemini AI In Messages App (Photo by Souvik Banerjee on Unsplash)

Google surprised the tech world with an exciting announcement at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. Google has announced nine new Android features to enhance the user experience across smartphones and wearables. The latest update includes the integration of Google”s Gemini AI chatbot into Google”s Messages app.

Integration of Gemini AI into the Messages App is the major highlight among the new features. “Starting this week in beta in English, you can access Gemini right in Google Messages on your Android phone,” said the tech giant in a blog post on February 26. According to Google, Android users will be able to chat with Gemini AI to draft messages, brainstorm ideas, or plan events without leaving the Messages app.

Google made this move as the Gemini AI is currently facing a tough situation. Google recently faced backlash over inaccuracies in historical depictions generated by the Gemini.

Meanwhile, Android Auto is also getting AI-driven capabilities. Google announced that Android Auto, with the help of AI, can automatically summarize long texts or group chats and read them out while the user drives. Notably, it will also suggest relevant replies and actions. The company has also introduced one accessibility feature in its Lookout app, which is designed to help blind and visually impaired people. With the new update, users will be able to listen to auto-generated AI descriptions of photos, online images, and pictures included in messages.

Google has also improved the screen reader support for Lens in Maps. “You can now point your phone’s camera at your surroundings and TalkBack will read the place’s information out loud,” added Google in its blog. Google has also added a handwritten annotation feature for Google Docs on Android. It is worth mentioning that Google Wallet passes are now available on Wear OS smartwatches. Google claims that users can access boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and more from their wrists.