It's the most wonderful time of the year, with Android users awaiting what Google's been busy creating.
Just in time for the holidays, Google is rolling out six new Android features, perfect for texting festive greetings, winding down with a good book, or navigating last-minute shopping.
Emoji Kitchen
The Unicode Consortium introduces new emoji every year, but sometimes their smileys and symbols just don't cut it—especially in a time of heightened digital communication. Which is why Google introduced Emoji Kitchen in February, inviting Android users to create and share new characters and expressions. Available on Gboard for Android 6.0 and higher, the latest update features more than 14,000 unique design combinations. Simply tap two emoji to see suggested combinations, or double tap one to reveal more intense emotions.
Audiobooks
As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, there's no better time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket, some candles, and an audiobook. But, as Android product manager Ajay Gokhale pointed out, not all books—"like the one written by your favorite indie author"—are converted into talking tales. Have no fear: Google Play, in partnership with US and UK publishers, will use auto-generated narrators so stories without audio versions can be recited.
"Meaning you'll have more audio titles to choose from on Play Store," Gokhale boasted. The publisher tool to create auto-narrated audiobooks is currently in beta, but will roll out more widely in early 2021.
Voice Access
Launched in 2018, Voice Access lets folks control their phone using—you guessed it: their voice. The hands-free option, according to Google, has been especially helpful for people with disabilities. But now even more Android users can take advantage of the updated function, which adds new commands and more global availability.
"Now using machine learning technology, you can add labels to the screens of your Android apps to help you work within them with your voice," Gokhale explained. "For example, you can say 'open Photos,' 'tap Search,' 'tap Your Map' to see a map of all your photos. This makes navigation convenient and hands-free, using just your voice."
Go Tab
It's hard enough to memorize your own phone number these days, let alone addresses like the kids' school, a local grocery store, or the gym. With Google Maps' new Go Tab, you can navigate to frequently visited places with just one tap.
Pin favorite driving destinations to quickly see directions, live traffic trends, route disruptions, and an accurate ETA—without typing any street names or zip codes. The same goes for public transportation: save specific routes for departure and arrival times and local agency alerts.
"You can even pin multiple routes (including a driving route and a transit route) to the same destination to see which one will get you there most efficiently," Gokhale suggested. Keep an eye out for the Go Tab, rolling out on Android and iOS "in the coming weeks."
Android Auto
Android Auto is expanding to more countries, bringing apps and services from your phone to your car display; talk to Google to play music, send messages, get directions, and more while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
Nearby Share
Send apps from Google Play to fellow Android owners without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection via the upcoming Nearby Share update. Visit the My Apps & Games menu in Google Play and tap "Share Apps" to select your favorite titles; your family and friends can then accept the incoming application.