Android's New Features: Enhanced Safety & Accessibility

Android Announces Six New Features Focused on Safety and Accessibility

Google has recently unveiled six new features planned for rollout on Android devices this summer. These enhancements range from minor usability improvements to significant advancements in security, safety, and accessibility.

Earthquake Detection Network Expansion

Building upon last year’s initiative, Android is expanding its earthquake detection network. This system leverages the sensors within smartphones to function as a large-scale seismometer.

Initially tested in California, the network has since been deployed in New Zealand and Greece. Now, Google intends to introduce this capability in Turkey, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Further expansion is planned throughout the year, prioritizing regions with a higher risk of seismic activity.

Enhanced Google Assistant App Integration

Google is broadening the functionality of its Google Assistant integration with Android applications. The initial release supported apps such as Spotify, Snapchat, and Twitter.

The latest update introduces compatibility with additional platforms, including eBay, Yahoo! Finance, Strava, and Capital One. This functionality mirrors Apple’s Siri integration with iOS apps, enabling users to launch applications, execute commands, and create personalized voice instructions.

Accessibility Improvements with Gaze Detection

Google is actively developing its gaze detection feature, currently available in beta. This technology allows users to interact with Voice Access solely when their gaze is directed at the screen.

This facilitates a more natural transition between conversations and phone usage. Furthermore, Voice Access now offers improved password input capabilities. Users can now dictate letters, numbers, and symbols, such as specifying “capital P” or “dollar sign,” streamlining the entry of sensitive information.

Recent developments include Google Assistant availability on gaze-powered devices and a demonstration of sign language recognition for identifying the “active speaker” in video calls. While Apple acquired an eye-tracking firm in 2017, a comparable gaze detection feature is not yet widely available on iOS.

Android Auto Customization Options

The latest Android update provides Android Auto users with greater control over their in-car experience. Users can now customize their launcher screen directly from their phone.

Additional features include manual dark mode activation and improved content browsing within media applications, utilizing an A-Z scroll bar and a “back to top” button. Compatibility has also been extended to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messages, as well as applications for EV charging, parking, and navigation.