Google Android Operating System Upgrade Delivers Advanced Security Tools Visual Search Features and Cross Platform Media Sharing
Google released their latest version of the Android operating system, which comes with tools to improve user security, media sharing, and personalization of the device. The upgrade was released globally and aims to deliver improved security and cross platform sharing which can make everyday phone interactions easier. It's design goal was to give native apps improved functionality and increased security for individual and family use.
The security improvements for the new operating system were primarily aimed at fighting communication fraud by adding spoofed call detection to the native Phone by Google application. According to Google Security, the operating system can verify if a received call is truly coming from a contact's own phone. Spoofing attempts by nefarious actors are flagged with an on screen alert. This protection is available on all Android 12 devices, allowing the user to easily reject suspicious calls.
Users will also see a few new features added to Circle to Search which can be used to identify and find multiple clothing items at once. Users are able to select an entire outfit at a time rather than individual clothing items when using the Circle to Search app and are also given the ability to locate multiple items like accessories, tops, and shoes simultaneously without leaving their current application. This feature is now live on all Android 14 devices and higher.
Additionally, the app Google Photos will soon be introducing a digital closet feature. This tool analyzes the user's entire library of photos, identifies any clothing items, and creates digital copies of the items. The user can then view, organize, and share outfits from the app directly from their phone. This feature will initially be available in three countries (US, India, and Brazil) for Android 10 devices and above.
There has been a significant upgrade to the Personal Safety application in order to aid younger family members. Children under the age of 13 will now have access to essential emergency features which will enable their vital personal information to be easily displayed and accessed directly on the locked screen. The operating system will also enable children to automatically share their information through car crash detection so their emergency contact will know they are in an accident and what their current location is. For teenagers it has been expanded to allow them to easily share their location and send automated safety check ins.
For those who love to read, Google Play Books will also receive an update in the form of an interactive reading assistant. For users reading select English language books, there will be a new Catch Me Up feature that will create summaries of previously read chapters. Users will also be able to highlight sections of the text in order to prompt an AI response with more specific and detailed information.
Sharing files has also become significantly easier and has now expanded to be more cross platform. The updated version of Quick Share will communicate directly with AirDrop which means Android users will be able to share high resolution images, videos, and files with other iPhones and other Android users securely over wireless local connection.
Gboard has been given some enhancements to the existing tools in the app to make sending messages more engaging. The Emoji Kitchen will now give users access to new combinations that will allow them to combine unique emojis into a single, customized sticker. Users will be able to combine elements such as animals and jewelry, in order to create original graphics that can be shared with other applications. These platform updates are rolling out globally, and depending on the local hardware version of your Android operating system you may gain access at different times.
