Android has announced several new updates for its smartphones and watches. These include a Reading Mode and tools that
improve quality for Digital Car Keys, Google TV, and watchOS. Among the new
features, the new Reading Mode is the most significant update, as it is
designed to enhance accessibility and offers adjustable display and audio
options without having the user be dependent on third-party apps.
Android’s Reading Mode can be separately installed from the
Google Play Store. Once installed, users can customize their reading experience
on their device according to their preference by playing around with the contrast,
font type, and size. In addition to that, Reading Mode also offers a text-to-speech
function with speed control, along with language support for English, French,
Italian, and Spanish. Users can use Reading Mode across all Android apps,
websites, as well as the Google Talkback screen reader.
Android’s Digital Car Keys function as a way to control one’s vehicle via actions like lock, unlock, and starting a compatible car, all by simply using a phone. New updates to the feature will now enable users to remotely share their digital key with people they trust, and view and control who has access to their vehicle from within the phone’s digital wallet app. The sharing is available for Pixel 6 and iPhone devices for now, until Android expands the rollout to other phone devices.
A minor addition has been made to the Google TV display in
the form of a new ‘Tap to Watch’ option that lets users cast directly from their
Google TV app to a compatible TV with a single tap. The feature will be
available in the app starting from next week.
Next, the Google Keep app for Wear OS is to be updated next
month with the ability to carry over all photos, co-authors, and background colours
added to a user’s notes from their phone, allowing them to view the content
from their smartwatch. Lastly, users of watchOS will be able to access over 30
types of workouts using the Adidas Running app via Google Assistant. As per Android,
by simply saying “Hey Google, start a run with adidas Running,” users will be
able to initiate automatic tracking of their workouts.
