The latest batch of features offer different quality of life enhancements
Android devices will receive new features in a December update, courtesy of Google. In the first place, the new features appear random, but it’s because they’re targeted at a particular type of user.
For instance, Google is adding a new Reading Mode app(opens in new tab) to assist the visually disabled read text on their phones. It is integrated in your phone’s quick settings and is activated through an additional book tab that appears in other apps. The page is then transformed into an easier-to-read format with colored text and an unlit background to provide high-contrast.
There are a variety of customization options available, as per the announcement(opens in a new tab) in which you are able to alter the color of the text, the size and font size as well as the degree of contrast. Reading Mode also offers a text-to-speech option for those who have the greatest difficulty or want to just relax and listen. A slider in the app allows you to change the speed at which you read.
Another major feature is the possibility to share your car’s digital key(opens in a new tab) however, it only works between devices running Pixel and iPhones. Keys compatible with the feature are shared through the digital wallet app on phones (just be sure to be sure that the person who you share the keys with is trustworthy). Google has plans to extend the use of digital keys to “select phones with Android 12] or higher” However, they didn’t specify any specific date beyond “soon”.
In addition other stuff that is that is coming to Android phones is smaller in size. Looking at the list, there’s the new YouTube Search widget to look for videos directly from the Home screen. Google Photos’ collage editor(opens in a new tab) comes with two brand new artful designs: a cartoon-like style created by the husband and husband duo DABSMYLA and another one by watercolor designer Yao Cheng Design. Finally making content available using to the Google TV app to a compatible display can be completed with just one tap.
Wear OS changes
Wear OS has a few modifications coming. New tiles are added which will tell you when you can view the sunset or sunrise on any given day . They also allow easy access to your most-loved contacts. Choose workouts from the Adidas app are accessible by using Google Assistant voice commands starting the 5th of December. Beyond that there’s no word on when other features will become available. We’ve requested Google to provide us with a specific timeframe, but there’s been only silence at the moment of writing. We’ll update this article in the event we get a response.
