What you need to know
- Google is rolling out a few new Android updates to start September, such as music lookup for Circle to Search for on-device sounds and those from other sources.
- Android’s Earthquake Alert System arrives for all U.S. states alongside a Wear OS update that brings offline map viewing.
- Google is also bolstering its accessibility feature, TalkBack, and bringing read-aloud functionality to Chrome.
As September unfolds, Google introduces a suite of innovative features designed to enhance the Android experience, with a particular focus on accessibility. One of the standout updates is the enhancement to Circle to Search, which now includes a music lookup feature. Users can simply tap the new music note icon while watching a video, prompting the AI to listen for audio cues. Once a song is recognized, the app will display relevant details, including the title, artist, and a link to a YouTube video, whether the music is playing from the device itself or a nearby source.
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<figcaption class="caption-creditfigcaption”><span class="caption-creditcredit” itemprop=”copyrightHolder”>(Image credit: Google)
In a significant move for public safety, Android’s Earthquake Alert System is now operational across all U.S. states. This system aims to provide timely warnings about potential seismic activity, utilizing crowd-sourced earthquake detection technology to alert users before an earthquake occurs. Following its initial rollout in high-risk areas last year, the expansion to the entire nation underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing user safety. Additionally, users can access guidelines on how to respond when an alert is received.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Pixel Watch 3, Google is also enhancing its Wear OS capabilities. The latest update introduces offline map viewing, allowing users to access downloaded maps directly from their smartwatches. This feature is complemented by voice search capabilities and a new option to “view your surroundings” simply by tapping the watch face.
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<figcaption class="caption-creditfigcaption”><span class="caption-creditcredit” itemprop=”copyrightHolder”>(Image credit: Google)
On the accessibility front, Google is enhancing the TalkBack feature, which now provides users with detailed descriptions of images. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of Gemini models, TalkBack can describe the contents of photos stored in the camera roll, those received via text, and images found on websites and social media. This feature is expected to expand further with the upcoming Android 15 release.
Moreover, Chrome on Android is set to enrich the browsing experience with a new read-aloud functionality. Users can customize the reading speed and select their preferred language and voice, allowing them to listen to articles, recipes, and other content seamlessly.
