- Google announced several new AI-powered features for Android users.
- Google Messages will now have access to the company’s Gemini chatbot and custom “Photomoji.”
- Other updates include auto-generated photo descriptions and message summaries while driving.
Starting this week, Android users will have access to several new AI-powered benefits.
As Mobile World Congress kicks off this week in Barcelona, Google announced several new features for its operating system.
A notable announcement is that Gemini, Google’s own AI chatbot, will be available in the Google Messages app. The Gemini chatbot was previously known as Bard until Google rebranded its AI portfolio earlier this year.
For now, the Gemini beta is only available in English (excluding Canada, where it’s available in French) and “select markets.” However, participants in the beta test program will be able to have conversations with the chatbot, which Google says will help them draft messages, plan events, and brainstorm ideas.
Google Messages also debuted “photomoji,” which lets users turn their photos into custom emojis to react to messages or share as stickers.
Changes are also coming to Android Auto. Drivers will now be able to hear summaries of long text conversations without having to play the entire message out loud in the car. This is especially useful for large, active group chats.
Android Auto also suggests responses and actions when you touch pop-ups, helping drivers stay focused on the road. These actions include making a phone call, navigating to an address you receive in a message, or sharing your estimated time of arrival with someone who asks, “When will you be arriving?”
Other AI-powered tools include auto-generated photo descriptions (including those sent in Google Messages) and ‘TalkBack’ for Google Maps’ Lens feature, which uses your phone’s camera . The app can now read out details about places around you, including directions, ratings, and closing times.
If you’re an iPhone user who’s feeling left out, remember that Tim Cook says to expect some new AI announcements from Apple later this year.
“There are some things we’re incredibly excited about that we’ll be talking about later this year,” he said on the company’s latest earnings call.
