Every three months, Google, an Alphabet-owned company, releases a new Android Feature Drop. As the name suggests, the drop adds new features to users’ Android smartphones, including new capabilities to Google apps, core operating system features, and more. Unlike the Pixel Feature Drops, which are only available for Pixel devices, the Android Feature Drops are available to a wider user base.
Android Users Can Now Edit Messages On Google Messages
While the last Pixel Feature Drop was in March 2024, users are curious about the more recent Android Feature Drop. First, the feature drop includes the ability to edit a message in Google Messages. While the feature has been in development for quite some time, it is now available to all users. However, users can only edit RCS-based messages within 15 minutes of sending them. Like WhatsApp, edited messages will appear with the ‘Edited’ tag that informs users about the change.
CHECK OUT: Smartwatches With OLED Display in India 2024
Instant Hotspot And Call Casting To Enable Seamless Connectivity
The May Android Feature Drop also contains Instant Hotspot, a feature that allows users to share their phone’s data connection with another device, such as an Android tablet or Chromebook. “You’ll be able to connect your Android tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s hotspot with one tap – without needing to go through the extra step of typing in your password,” reads the official Google blog post.
Further, if users need to change their devices in the middle of a Google Meet session, they can do that by tapping the Cast icon. For instance, if a user is attending a video call through a smartphone, but he or she needs to switch to the Chromebook on their desk. In that case, they no longer need to disconnect from the call. Instead, they can simply tap the Cast icon and select a device from the list of available options.
SEE ALSO: 20x Zoom Camera Mobile Phones in India 2024
Google Home Favorites Widget And Tile Available Available On Android And Wear OS
The May feature drop also lets users add the Google Home Favorites widgets to their phone’s home screen to manage and control their most-used smart devices. People can use the widget to check the room temperature at a glance, turn off the lights, switch on the air conditioner, etc. For now, the feature is available to users who sign up for the Public Review.
Similar to the Google Home Favorites widget, the Google Home Favorites tile (and complication) helps users view and control their smart home devices via their Wear OS smartwatch. Users can set the tile where they want to or add the compatible complication to their current watch face to access smart home devices through their wrist. Next up on the list are the new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations that are rolling out soon.
SEE ALSO: Soundbars Under 10000 Price List in India
Android Users Can Make Payments Via Wear OS Using PayPal
Another feature that is making its way to Wear OS users is the ability to “make secure payments with PayPal on Google Wallet” from the compatible Wear OS smartwatch. “Pay for your morning coffee and other everyday favorites without needing to pull your phone out of your pocket,” the blog post mentions. Another similar feature will let users lock, unlock, and start their car with their Android phone using the Digital Car Key.
For now, the feature only works with selected models from Polestar, Mercedes-BENZ, and MINI. However, support should extend to more vehicles soon. Previously, Google released message summaries on Android Auto, several updates to Google Lens, and handwritten markups in Google Docs. Now, the next Android Feature Drop should hit smartphones sometime in August 2024. Stay tuned for more information about the latest Android features and other smartphone-related news.
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
