Android is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, with over two and a half billion different devices running on various versions of Android. This large number makes Google, the company responsible for developing Android, strive to make it more secure and user-friendly. In each new update, Google releases, we notice some changes in the system aimed at achieving this goal. However, it seems like it has been a long time since we last saw a major update to the Android system that brings radical changes. Previous updates have been minor improvements to the interface and other things. Even in the first beta version of Android 12, there were no major changes. Fortunately, Google has recently announced new features coming to Android that will be available to all users soon.
1- Checking Passwords and Keeping Your Accounts Secure
One of the useful features in Android phones is that you can save your passwords on your Google account and log in to websites and applications with a single click using the Autofill technology. But what if there is a leak of the database of this website and your password is published online without your knowledge? This is where Google’s new addition comes in: Password Checkup. When you log in to any website online and save the password in the “Autofill” service, this add-on will periodically check the passwords and make sure they are not part of a breach or leak of information for any of your accounts. It will alert you and advise you on what to do if your password has indeed been leaked.
This is a very important addition, especially since many people do not know if their data has been leaked from a website or how to act. This add-on will be very useful for this group of people and will be available for Android 9 and above, so make sure to download the latest available update for your phone.
2- Dark Mode Support in Google Maps
For over a year, there has been a significant trend to support dark mode in most applications and websites on various devices. It is now supported in many operating systems and applications, but there are a few apps that have not yet supported this mode. One of these apps was the Google Maps app, which Google has finally decided to support with a dark mode appearance, similar to the Apple Maps app. To enable dark mode in the Google Maps app, all you have to do is go to “Settings” and look for the “Theme” section, then activate the dark mode option permanently “Always in Dark Theme.”
3- Scheduling SMS Messages
There are over 500 million users of the Google Messages app for managing SMS messages, as it is the default app on most Android phones, especially since it offers many features. One of these new features is the ability to schedule text messages, which Google recently added to the app. This feature is useful for those who use the app to send messages to people living in different time zones. You might want to send a message at 2 PM in Egypt, but when the recipient receives the message, it is already 3 AM for them. Or you may want to send a message on a specific date, but you are afraid you might forget to send it on time, so you schedule it for a later time.
To schedule SMS messages on the Google Messages app, all you have to do is write the message as usual and long-press the send button until a menu appears to select the date and time you want to send the message automatically, then press Send. Note that this update is available for phones running on Android 7 or higher.
You may also be interested: How to use the Messages app to send SMS messages from your computer
4- Enhancing Google Assistant’s Voice Capabilities
One of the most developed services by Google in recent years is its voice assistant, Google Assistant, which can now perform many tasks like sending SMS messages on your behalf or making phone calls for you. It can also play your favorite songs on streaming services or tell you a joke! The list would be long if we decided to mention all the things Google Assistant can do. One of the new features that Google has added to Google Assistant is remote voice commands even when the phone screen is locked. You can now enable the “Lock Screen Personal Results” feature to make a call or send a text message even if your phone is in lock mode.
Read also: How to make Google Assistant on Android phones speak Arabic
5- TalkBack Feature in a New State
TalkBack is a system developed by Google to assist people with visual impairments or difficulty in seeing the screen when using their Android phones without any restrictions. It relies entirely on sounds and describes everything on the screen through voice. In this update, Google collaborated with people who actually have vision problems to develop the TalkBack service properly. The new update includes many features, most notably adding new gestures for control and changing the design of menus and settings.
6- Improving the Car Driving Mode (Android Auto)
Android Auto is a key feature in the Android system designed for cars – if supported by Google – allowing you to do many things, most notably opening Google Maps on your car’s screen. The new features Google added to Android Auto include the ability to split the screen, allowing you to open two apps at the same time on your car’s screen, but only if the screen is wide enough. You can also play entertaining games with Google’s voice assistant if you have people in the car with you so they don’t get bored on the road. Additionally, you can add custom wallpapers for the screen alongside choosing from new backgrounds. Another new feature is “Shortcuts,” where you can create a shortcut to access your contacts, check the weather, or adjust the thermostat remotely by simply clicking on an icon on your car’s screen, just as you would on your phone.
These Android Auto features will be available in the coming days on phones running on Android 6.0 or higher, when connected to your compatible car. You can review this list to see if your car model supports the feature or not.
