Google is rolling out an update that’s designed for anyone who likes sharing things on their phone.
Android 15 users can use these brand-new features to improve accessibility, streamline sharing and make communication more fun.
One of them, called ‘Expressive Captions,’ aims to capture not just words but the tone and emotion behind them. For example, captions might indicate ‘whispering’ during a quiet moment, ‘cheers and applause’ after a celebration, or even highlight a pause after a joke.
Most interestingly, Google ensures that these captions will be available across apps like streaming platforms, social media, and video messaging.
Elsewhere, the ‘Emoji Kitchen‘ in Gboard has been expanded, allowing users to combine emojis into customised stickers, reminiscent of the latest iOS 18 ‘Genmoji’ feature.
Additionally, Gboard now includes ‘Clearflow,’ a glide typing keyboard designed for faster and more accurate typing.
Sharing files like photos and videos is now also simpler with ‘QR codes in Quick Share‘. Instead of verifying devices or sharing contacts, users can generate a QR code for a file, which others can scan to access it securely.
For people with blindness or low vision, ‘Lookout‘ now offers improved image descriptions using Gemini 1.5 Pro. Users can hear detailed captions of photos and ask follow-up questions to understand more about the image.
What’s more, Google Drive now automatically enhances scanned documents by improving contrast, adjusting white balance, and reducing shadows and blur.
Last, but not least, the AI Gemini assistant itself is also expanding its functionality.
Users can now connect Gemini with Spotify to play music and discover playlists, as well as control device settings, send messages, and make calls.
Upcoming updates will enable Gemini to control smart home devices and provide detailed place information on Google Maps.
And if you’re using one of the latest Google Pixel phones, there are also 20 more features that you can look forward to.
