Google Announces New Android Features for Spring 2021

Google has recently unveiled a suite of new features destined for Android devices. These enhancements encompass a new password security check, the ability to schedule text messages, and improvements to several core applications including TalkBack, Maps, Assistant, and Android Auto.

Enhanced Security with Password Checkup

This spring’s release introduces a security-focused feature called Password Checkup. It will be available on devices running Android 9 and later, proactively alerting users to passwords that have been compromised in data breaches.

Password Checkup integrates seamlessly with Autofill with Google. When you utilize Autofill to log in to apps and services, the system will verify your credentials against databases of known compromised passwords. Notifications will be provided if a match is found, along with guidance on remediation.

Users can also be directed to their Google Password Manager page. This allows for a comprehensive review of all saved Autofill passwords, identifying potential vulnerabilities.

To activate this feature, ensure Autofill is enabled within your device settings (Settings > System > Languages & Input > Advanced, then tap Autofill. Select Google to confirm activation).

Schedule Your Texts with the Messages App

A highly requested feature is now a reality: the ability to schedule text messages. This addition to the Messages app could attract users seeking this functionality. It addresses a long-standing demand since the inception of SMS.

The new scheduled send feature allows you to compose messages at your convenience and designate a later time for delivery. This is particularly useful for communicating with contacts in different time zones, avoiding disruptions during their rest or personal time.

To schedule a text, simply compose your message as usual, then press and hold the send button. A menu will appear, allowing you to select the desired date and time for sending. The latest version of the Android Messages app is required for this feature.

TalkBack Improvements for Accessibility

Google is enhancing the accessibility of Android with updates to TalkBack, its screen reader. These improvements aim to make the experience more intuitive for users who are blind or visually impaired.

TalkBack 9.1 introduces a dozen new multifinger gestures. These gestures facilitate interaction with apps and common tasks, such as text selection, media control, and accessing help. This functionality will be available on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 3 or newer.

Responding to user feedback, Google is reverting to a single menu system within TalkBack. This streamlined menu adapts to the current context while maintaining consistent access to frequently used functions.

Additional TalkBack enhancements include new gestures – like a swipe up and right to access over 25 voice commands – and refined reading controls. Users can now skim pages, read headlines only, or listen word-by-word or character-by-character.

Customization options have been expanded, allowing users to add or remove items from the TalkBack menu and reading controls. Furthermore, the braille keyboard now supports Arabic and Spanish.

Further Updates to Maps, Assistant, and Android Auto

The spring update also includes minor improvements to Google Maps, Assistant, and Android Auto.

Maps now offers a dark mode, which can be enabled as the default under Settings > Theme, then selecting “Always in Dark Theme.”

Google Assistant’s functionality is being extended to work even when the phone is locked or further away. This is achieved by enabling Lock Screen Personal Results in Assistant’s Settings and using the “Hey Google” command.

The information displayed on the lock screen has been optimized for quick readability.

Android Auto will gain custom wallpapers and voice-activated games, such as trivia and “Jeopardy!”, accessible via the “Hey Google” command.

New shortcuts on the launch screen will provide quick access to contacts and Assistant functions, like checking the weather or controlling smart home devices. Vehicles with wider screens will benefit from a split-screen view, displaying Google Maps on one side and media controls on the other.

These Android Auto features will be rolled out in the coming days to phones running Android 6.0 and higher, compatible with supported vehicles, according to Google.