The latest Android update has arrived, bringing improvements in accessibility and Gemini AI.

The latest Android update has arrived, bringing improvements in accessibility and Gemini AI.

The latest Android update, rolling out today, introduces several new features, including more expressive video captions, a Gemini-powered enhancement for the Lookout app, and a Spotify extension for Gemini. Pixel devices, especially the Pixel 9 series, are also getting additional updates, including improvements to the Pixel Screenshots app.

One notable addition is Expressive Captions, which provide descriptive phrases to capture non-verbal moments, like [gasp] or [applause], in video captions across the system, including in social media apps and video messages. The Lookout app, designed for individuals with low vision or blindness, is receiving an upgrade with the integration of Gemini 1.5, which will improve the accuracy of its photo descriptions. This follows Google’s push to integrate more AI features into Lookout, as highlighted during I/O.

Screenshot of descriptive captions feature

On the AI front, Gemini Assistant is gaining new extensions, including a Spotify integration that lets you play music through Gemini, bringing it closer to feature parity with the traditional Google Assistant. Gemini will also gain access to the Utilities extension, enabling it to handle tasks like making calls, sending emails, and adjusting phone settings.

 

Other highlights in the update include the ability to create stickers using Emoji Kitchen in Gboard, share photos with a QR code through Quick Share, and an enhanced scanning mode for receipts in Google Drive. Feature compatibility may vary, so you can check Google’s support site for specific details.

Pixel users, especially those with Pixel 9 series phones, will enjoy additional features in the December feature drop. Call screening now includes contextual reply suggestions, allowing you to respond to callers without answering. The Screenshots app on Pixel 9 phones also gets updates, such as saving searches from Circle to Search and showing suggested search phrases in Gboard based on saved screenshots. Tickets and credit cards added to Google Wallet via screenshots can now be stored in the Screenshots app as well.

Screenshots app on Pixel 9

Other Pixel updates include Identity Check, which adds extra authentication when accessing sensitive settings from new locations. The update is available starting today for Pixel 6 and newer devices, with additional updates rolling out through the Google Play Services framework.

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