New Android features unveiled by Google
In a recent press release and accompanying blog post, Google has unveiled a plethora of exciting new Android features for users. These enhancements span across smartphones, tablets, and wearables, bringing a wave of innovation to the Android ecosystem.
From the introduction of Nearby Share for Windows to the arrival of Spotify on Wear OS, and even the expansion of Emoji Kitchen, it's safe to say that Android enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to.
Take a look at the new Android features on the Android Youtube channel yourself:
What are the new Android features?
The introduction of the New Android Features by Google brings a range of exciting advancements to the Android ecosystem. From the expansion of Nearby Share to Windows devices, facilitating seamless content sharing, to the introduction of Reading Practice, enhancing language development during reading, and the expansion of Emoji Kitchen with new aquatic-themed options, Android users have much to explore and enjoy.
Let's take a closer look at new Android features together!
Nearby share expands to windows
One of the standout features in the New Android Features is the expansion of Nearby Share to Windows devices, which allows for effortless content sharing between Android and Windows platforms. This development is in response to the ease with which Apple users can share media via AirDrop between their iPhones and Macs.
The addition of Nearby Share on Windows opens up new possibilities for Android users, enabling them to seamlessly exchange content across different devices. While still in beta, Nearby Share is already available for users to test out. Compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 and newer, this feature facilitates hassle-free sharing between devices in close proximity.
Reading Practice for younglings
To aid users, particularly young readers, in expanding their vocabulary and honing their reading skills, Google has introduced the Reading Practice feature.
This tool aims to provide assistance while reading compatible ebooks, promoting the acquisition of new words. Users will now find a "Practice" button within their ebooks, which audibly pronounces each word in a sentence, encourages self-reading, and offers valuable feedback on pronunciation.
With the launch of Reading Practice in Google Play Books version 8.1, Android users can now embark on an immersive reading journey that fosters language development and enhances overall reading proficiency.
New dishes in Emoji Kitchen
Emoji Kitchen receives a delightful expansion in the new Android features update. By combining different emoji, users can cook up entirely new and expressive icons.
In response to user demands, Google is introducing a selection of aquatic-themed emoji, with the spotlight on the shark, dolphin, and whale emoji. This addition enhances the creative possibilities within Emoji Kitchen, allowing users to express their emotions and ideas in unique and engaging ways.
Three new widgets for your home screen
The latest feature drop introduces three fresh widgets designed to elevate the functionality and personalization of Android home screens.
Firstly, Google TV presents a widget that provides personalized movie and TV recommendations, ensuring users never miss out on captivating content.
Secondly, Google Finance introduces a convenient widget that allows users to monitor stocks of their choice, empowering them to stay informed about the latest financial developments.
Lastly, Google News offers a widget that displays the latest headlines, enabling users to stay updated with ease. These new widgets enhance the home screen experience, granting users quick access to relevant information and personalized recommendations.
Make yourself at home
Google continues its commitment to seamless integration by simplifying the setup process for Matter-enabled smart devices in the new Android features update. Users can now effortlessly connect these devices to their smart home ecosystem by scanning the QR code using the Google Home app.
To utilize this feature, Android devices need to run on Android 8.1 or a newer version, be paired with a Matter-enabled Google hub device, and have access to a Wi-Fi network with Bluetooth Low Energy (4.2) or higher. This streamlined setup process ensures a hassle-free experience for users, allowing them to effortlessly expand their smart home capabilities.
These updates serve as a testament to Google's commitment to innovation and further solidify Android's position as a leading mobile platform. As users eagerly embrace these new Android features, the future holds promise for even more advancements in the Android ecosystem.
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Thanks for the tip Martin.
It is for these kinds of posts that I follow GHacks.
What’s up with the generic comment, are you a bot?
2G?
Where on the planet is that still in use? I was forced to give up using my RAZRV3 years ago because 2G was phased out by AT&T.
Everywhere 3G has been turned off and you don’t have LTE coverage, and believe me there are many developed countries where this is the case and if it weren’t for 2G you wouldn’t even be able to make a phone call.
Maybe I missed it, but I don’t believe tha term “2G” is in the article. Perhaps you are referring to “AGM G2”??
@Martin
Your website has gone insane.
When I the post button I then saw my comment posted on a different article page. When I opened this article again, it is here.
@Tachy @Martin Brinkmann
” Your website has gone insane. ”
Same here. Has happened several times.
@Tachy,
@Martin P.,
For over two weeks now,
I’ve been seeing “Comments” posted by subscribers appearing in different, unrelated articles.
https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-update-stuck-fixed-for-good/#comment-4572991
https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-update-stuck-fixed-for-good/#comment-4572951
For the time being,
it would be better to specify the “article name and URL” at the beginning of the post.
@tachy a lot of non-phone devices with a sim in them rely on 2G, at least here in europe.
Usually things reporting usage or errors/alarms on something remote that does not get day to day inspection in person. They are out there in vast numbers doing important work. Reliable, good range. The low datarate is no problem at all in those cases.
3G is gone or on its last legs everywhere, but this stuff still has too much use to cancel.
Anyhow, interesting that they would put that in. I can see the point if you suspect a hostile 2G environment (amateur eavesdroppers with laptop, ranging up to professional grade MITM fake towers while “strangely” not getting the stronger crypto voip 4G because it is being jammed, and back down to something as old ‘stingray’ devices fallen into the wrong hands).
But does this also mean that they have handled and rolled out a fix for that nasty 4G ‘pwn by broadcast’ problem you reported earlier this year? I had 4G disabled due to that, on the off chance that some of the local criminals would buy some cheap chinese gear, download a working exploit and probe every phone in range all over town in the hope of getting into phones of the police.
>”While most may never be attacked in stingrays, it is still recommended to disable 2G cellular connections, especially since it does not have any downsides.”
The downside would be losing connectivity. I spend a lot of time way out in the countryside where there’s often no service or almost none. My network allows 2G, and I need it sometimes. I have an option on the phone to disable 2G, I may do that when I’m in the city and I have good 5G connectivity, but not out in the country.
I would imagine that the stingray exploits, like most of the bad things in this world, are probably things you will run into in the crowded big cities.
I stopped using it in a mobile (Wi-Fi line) environment, so I’m almost ignorant of the actual situation,
But the recent reality in Japan makes me realize that “the infrastructure of the web is nothing more than a papier-mâché fiction”.
https://www.ghacks.net/2023/08/17/google-chrome-to-enable-https-first-by-default-for-all-users/#comment-4572402
It is already beyond the scope of what an individual can do.
What we should be aware of is the reality that “governments and those in power want to control the world through the Web”, and efforts to counter (resist and prevent) such ambitions are necessary.
Why do you want people to disable the privacy features? Hmmmmm?
Now You: do you plan to keep the Ads privacy features enabled?
I’d like to tell you, but apparently if you make a post critical of Google, you get censored. * [Editor: removed, just try to bring your opinion across without attacking anyone]
@Martin
You website is still psychotic. Comments attach to random stories.
@Martin please do fix the comments, it’s completely insane commenting here! :[
@Martin
The comments are seriously messed up on gHacks now. These comments are mixed with the article at the below URL.
https://www.ghacks.net/2023/08/18/android-how-to-disable-2g-cellular-connections-to-improve-security/
And comments on other articles are from as far back as 2010.
What does this article has anything to do with all the comments on this article? LOL I think this Websuite is ran by ChatGPT. every article is messed up. Some older comments from 2015 shown up in recant articles, LOL
The picture captioned “Clearing the Android Auto’s cache might resolve the issue” is from Apple Carplay ;)
How about other things that matter:
Drop survival?
Screen toughness?
Degree of water and dust protection?