Connect And Share In More Ways With New Android Features

Starting today, new AI features and more from Android can help you express yourself authentically and connect your digital life with real-world experiences.

From audio captions that capture intensity and emotion to image descriptions enhanced with Gemini to clearer scans in Google Drive, check out the latest updates:

1. Say HELLO to better captions

Expressive Captions automatically capture the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking—from volume and tone to sounds that say more than words. You’ll see things like the [whispering] of a juicy secret, the [cheers and applause] of a big win and the [groaning] after a dad joke.  These will appear across your phone’s apps on everything from streaming to social to video messages, only on Android [APPLAUSE]. Read more about Expressive Captions in our blog post.

Caption: Understand the intensity and emotion of how someone is speaking with expressive captions.

2. Hear image descriptions read aloud, enhanced by Gemini models

Designed with people in blind and low-vision communities, Image Q&A in Lookout now uses Gemini 1.5 Pro to provide even richer, more helpful image descriptions compared to previous versions. Simply take, upload or open a photo in the app to hear the caption read aloud in a natural-sounding voice. You can then gain a deeper understanding of the image by asking follow-up questions, now available globally.

Caption: Hear image captions read aloud and ask follow-up questions.

3. Grab a slice of the new sticker combos and keyboard

Is Pizza Night coming up? Remix your favorite emoji into new pizza-themed sticker combos and share them with friends using Emoji Kitchen in Gboard. And while you’re there, try Gboard’s new glide typing keyboard, Clearflow, optimized for speed and accuracy.

Caption: Mix and match your favorite emoji with new sticker combinations.

4. Share pictures, videos and more with a QR code

Your best photos are meant to be shared. QR codes in Quick Share make it easier to transfer pictures, videos and documents. Simply select the media file you want to share, tap the QR code and have others scan it for a secure transfer — no need to add them as a contact, verify devices or change your sharing settings.

Caption: Easily share media by connecting with a QR code.

5. Snap, save and share high-quality document scans

Your scans are now crisper and clearer with auto-enhancements in Google Drive. From receipts to documents to ID cards, your scans are optimized to improve contrast and white balance and remove shadows and blurring—with no manual editing needed. Simply snap an image of physical documents and receipts and save the clear digital version in the format you want.

Caption: Easily scan and save your documents in high quality.

6. Get help from Gemini across more of your favorite apps

Gemini on Android is getting a boost with new extensions that connect to your favorite apps and services. With the new Spotify1 extension, you can play your favorite songs and discover playlists for any mood. You can also call contacts and send messages with your default phone and messaging apps, set alarms, and control device settings and your camera. Soon, you’ll also be able to use Gemini to control your smart home devices that your Google Account can access and get more information about places on Maps.

Check out the latest features on Android now. If you’re a Pixel user, take a look at these new Pixel features that are also available to you.

Disclaimers:

[1] Available in English only.

[2] Features may differ depending on the subscription. Some extensions require setup and are available in English only. Available in select countries.