Whereas we look forward to Android 14’s steady launch, Google has determined to grace its customers with an up to date brand for the upcoming Android model. The working system has a brand new look, and the corporate is rolling out a number of new options to rejoice the event. They embody AI enhancements for the At a Look widget and Lookout, one among Android’s accessibility instruments. You can too add a library card to your Google Pockets and take extra convention calls within the automotive.
Android rebrands
Android has been in a years-long transformation to determine its aesthetic and the way it needs to current itself as a platform. It could have lastly discovered its look. Google has formally rebranded Android with a brand new look and enhancements to the long-lasting inexperienced Android determine. The brand has been up to date in order that Android is now current with a capital “A,” which Google mentioned makes the letter stand out extra prominently towards the remainder of the letters. The brand new brand has “extra curves” and “character”; Google even exhibits how the brand new “Android” brand suits squarely on prime of the Google brand, suggesting a unification between the dad or mum model and cellular platform that hasn’t been current in a while.
Fortunately, Google didn’t cast off the bug droid, Android’s longtime mascot. The Android robotic is extra three-dimensional than ever, and it’s again to exhibiting off its complete physique as a substitute of simply its head, as the emblem has been the previous few years. You may try Google’s submit if you wish to learn the entire story behind the brand new look.
Android’s AI-enhanced enhancements
To commemorate this new search for Android, Google is including a number of new options, and it doesn’t appear unique to Pixel smartphone customers. The brand new At a Look widget can have extra outstanding iconography and an additional info line. The pattern smartphone exhibiting off the function is a Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, together with Samsung’s OneUI type of icons within the Residence row.
I noticed how helpful At a Look may be whereas flying final week—getting the small print you want whereas dashing to get someplace is tremendous useful. However I missed it on the prime of my Residence Display as a result of it doesn’t stand out a lot. This new tweak will give the function extra prominence on the Residence display, exactly the purpose. Google needs you to see its AI enhancements working in plain sight.
Android customers who’re visually impaired and depend on apps like Lookout for help are additionally getting a hefty replace beginning in the present day. AI will assist the Picture Q&A function on Lookout generate extra detailed descriptions of what’s forward or on display. When you’ve inputted your picture, you possibly can ask questions through textual content or voice to know the picture’s context. Lookout additionally provides 11 new languages to its repertoire, together with Japanese, Korean, and Chinese language. It now helps 24 languages.
Library playing cards in Google Pockets
Admittedly, I don’t have a library account. I take advantage of my daughter’s card for all the pieces from testing books in particular person to grabbing audiobooks off Libby. However it’s inconvenient once I don’t have her card close by, particularly when she needs a spontaneous journey to choose up new books.
This newest function drop permits you to digitize passes with a barcode or QR code that solely works in particular settings, together with library playing cards and fitness center passes. All you need to do is snap a picture of the move for Pockets to retailer it.
A couple of extra issues
Android Auto customers, I perceive having to take a convention name within the automotive when you’re in bumper-to-bumper visitors. That doesn’t change the truth that we’d like higher infrastructure in order that we’re not having to juggle such a factor whereas behind the wheel. However on the very least, Android Auto can now deal with each Webex and Zoom calls natively, so you should utilize the massive display in your automotive to handle the decision as a substitute of pawing at a smaller cellphone display.
Those that use Fitbit and Google Match can now hear your sleep outcomes as a part of your day by day wake-up routine with the Assistant.
The brand new look to Android will begin popping up in future software program updates and cellphone releases. And the brand new options ought to begin rolling out to everybody this week.