Feature update: Android warns of AirTags and Gmail translates emails
The quarterly bundle of new features for Android is here. Google has also revised the logo of its operating system.
Some of the new functions are not exclusively limited to smartphones or tablets. The translation of emails also works with Gmail in the browser and WhatsApp becomes more independent on smartwatches.
Warning about Bluetooth trackers
In May, Google, Apple and other companies published a new standard for Bluetooth trackers announced. With this standard, smartphones will be able to warn you of devices such as unauthorised AirTags if they are tracking you. This measure is intended to make stalking with the small tracking devices more difficult.
The "Unknown tracker alerts" appear as a notification on your smartphone when a Bluetooth tracker follows you over a certain period of time. And is outside the Bluetooth range of its owner. For example, no alarm should be triggered on the train.
Source: Google
To find the suspicious tracker, you can have it play a sound. Android can even help you identify and deactivate trackers. However, on the support page, Google points out that a reset deletes all data. This could make prosecution more difficult.
At the start, however, the warning only works with Apple's AirTag. Bluetooth trackers from other manufacturers are set to follow.
Gmail translates emails
I can read all the emails in my inbox. But not everyone seems to be able to. Google now offers a translation function for them. However, this only works with Google accounts - and not with mail accounts that are connected via IMAP.
As soon as Gmail recognises a language other than your main language, a suggestion to perform a translation appears above the email. This works in the app and at mail.google.com.
WearOS: WhatsApp and Google Maps
For WearOS, Google has added two things to the feature drop that I thought had been working for a while. But maybe I'm confusing this with other smartwatches too.
So WhatsApp should become more independent on smartwatches with WearOS. You should no longer have to pick up your smartphone to receive and send messages and answer calls.
Source: Google
Google Maps displays location information on smartwatches. You can click on them directly on the small map on your wrist and also be guided to them.
Among the other new functions of Android, Google mentions the following:
- In Lookout, an AI can now create image descriptions and answer follow-up questions
- An AI can automatically create photo collections for occasions like a trip
- The mobile use of video calls in Google Meet is to be made easier thanks to a simpler design.
- There are new effects and filters for YouTube Shorts.
- The Android earthquake warnings are now available in over 95 countries.
- The Google Assistant can read out data from Fitbit or Google Fit. This is intended as motivation in the morning.
- "Assistant At a Glance" widget displays weather, events or travel data on the home screen
New design: 3D and capital A
Google has made small changes to the Android lettering and mascot. For example, the name now begins with a capital letter and no longer with a small "a". The robot now appears in 3D and no longer just in green. It can be visually customised for topics and occasions.
Source: Google
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As a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.