GOOGLE has revealed a bunch of impressive freebies – and you can start using some of them from today.
The tech giant confirmed nine free upgrades that are coming to gadget users, including Android phone owners.
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Google’s headline upgrade is the introduction of Gemini to its default Android messaging app.
Now Google Messages users will be able to take advantage of the AI chatbot when texting with friends or family.
The Gemini chatbot will be able to craft messages for you, potentially saving you loads of time.
“Starting this week in beta in English, you can access Gemini right in Google Messages on your Android phone,” Google explained.
“Chat with Gemini to draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events or simply have a fun conversation without leaving the Messages app.”
There are eight more upgrades that you should look out for.
Other free Google upgrades
#1 – Android Auto
Google has upgraded Android Auto – the company’s rival to Apple CarPlay – with new AI features.
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This can help you catch up while driving, with the option to reply or take an action based on AI suggestions.
For instance, you can send a message, share your ETA, or begin a phone call with one tap.
#2 AI-generated captions
It’s now possible to listen to AI-generated descriptions of photos that you’re seeing online or in messages.
This is rolling out as part of Android’s Lookout feature right now.
#3 Accessible place info
Google now lets you point your phone camera at your surroundings and use the TalkBack feature to hear the info out loud.
This can help people hear – rather than read – business hours, ratings, or directions for places like ATMs, restaurants, or transit stations.
#4 Docs feedback
It’s now possible to annotate Google Docs with handwritten notes.
You can do this from an Android phone or tablet with a stylus – or even just your finger.
#5 Spotify upgrade
Google has also made some changes to casting controls.
“The output switcher on Android’s home screen already helps you easily switch between your devices when playing YouTube Music — whether it’s your phone speaker, headphones, smart speakers or TV,” Google explained.
“Now you can do the same with Spotify. So when you’re playing media on Spotify, the output switcher will now show Spotify Connect devices.”
#6 Health data
The Fitbit app – which Google owns – has also been redesigned.
This now pulls in data from your favorite wearables and apps include AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.
“In the Fitbit app on your Android phone, head to the You tab to see data from connected apps next to your Fitbit data,” Google said
“And in the Today tab, you can see data like exercise, steps, calories burned, floors climbed and distance traveled from Health Connect-compatible apps.”
#7 Tickets on your wrist
Google Wallet passes are now available on Wear OS smartwatches.
That means you can load a whole range of passes on to your wrist, including boarding passes, tickets to events, gym memberships, and loyalty cards.
You can also choose which passes to hide or display.
#8 Glanceable transit
Public transit directions are now available on Google Maps for Wear OS.
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“Look up departure times right from your smartwatch, then get compass-guided navigation directions to your destination,” Google said.
“If you prefer your phone, you can also mirror directions to your watch and navigate hands-free.”
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
