Google just shared some of the new features coming to Android this month. These are updates that range from Gboard and emojis to a new accessibility feature. Google Meet, Wear OS and Nearby Share are also getting new updates.
Gboard is getting a new “emojify” feature that lets you quickly add emojis to a message after typing it. You can try this feature now in the Gboard beta program.
Emoji Kitchen lets you fuse emojis together to create new emojis, and Android has added a bunch of new “mixes” of them, including fall-themed emojis.
Google Meet got a new live streaming feature that lets you watch and play games together on video calls. You can now prioritize specific participants that you choose during a Google Meet call. These features are rolling out now.
Nearby Share on the other hand will get an opt-in option “in the coming weeks”. This will allow users to send various content to nearby devices in your Google account without any prompts, even if the screen is turned off. Google Apps will also have larger mini-apps optimized for Android tablets.
There are two new accessibility features on Android for users with hearing or vision impairments. One is called “Custom Sound Notifications” and when enabled, it plays specific sounds and notifies the user of them via vibration, flash, or a Wear OS notification.
It will recognize things like running water, babies crying, dogs barking, smoke alarms, but you can also teach it another specific sound. Google TV now offers a new “curated” library of audio-described movies for the blind and visually impaired.
Finally, Wear OS will get new Bitmoji watch faces and there’s a new Google Keep tile that makes it easier to quickly dictate a note or view other notes.