Google just shared some of the new features coming to Android this month. The updates start with Gboard and emoji and end with a new accessibility feature. Google Meet, Wear OS, and Nearby Share are getting attention as well.
Gboard is getting a new “emojify” feature that lets you quickly add emoji to a message after you’ve typed it. You can try it right now in beta version of GBoard.
Emoji Kitchen lets you combine emojis together to create new ones, and Android has added a host of new mashups, including some fall-themed ones.
Google Meet is getting a new real-time sharing feature that lets you watch and play together during a video call. You can now pin the call participants you selected.
Nearby Share will get a subscription option “in the next few weeks.” This will allow users to send content to nearby devices in your Google account without being asked, even if the screen is off. The company’s apps will also feature larger widgets optimized for Android tablets.
Android has two new accessibility features for the hearing and visually impaired. One of them is called “Custom Sound Notifications”. When enabled, the feature hears certain sounds and notifies the user with a vibration, flashing light, or Wear OS notification. She recognizes running water, crying babies, barking dogs, fire alarms. You can also “teach” the function a new sound. And the TV app now offers a curated library of films with audio descriptions for the blind and visually impaired.
Finally, Wear OS will get new Bitmoji watch faces and a new Google Keep that makes it easier to quickly dictate a note or view other notes.
