Google has announced a series Android updates To launch at MWC this year, including Gemini integration with Messages and AI-powered text summaries while you’re driving. Starting this week, Messages users will be able to access Google’s chatbot without leaving the text app. A Gemini in messages can do basic tasks like preparing messages and helping you plan events, or you can just chat with them if you’re bored. Google says the feature is still in beta and is currently only available to English-language Messages users.
Android Auto also gets a boost from artificial intelligence, which can help you distract people who text you while you’re on the road. If a group chat is blasting your phone with a barrage of messages or someone is sending you text novels, Android Auto will automatically summarize the message and read a shorter version back to you. It will also offer responses and actions based on messages, such as sharing your ETA, so you can reply with a tap and focus on driving.
Google also announced some new accessibility features for Android at MWC, including AI-generated image captions in the Lookout app. It will be able to create descriptions for images found online or received in messages and read them aloud to the user. The feature is only available in English to begin with, but is rolling out worldwide. Google’s Lens feature in Maps is also getting an improved screen reader option that will let users point their phone’s camera at something in front of them, like a restaurant or transit station, and hear information about it.
The Android updates also include new streaming controls for Spotify called Spotify Connect, so users can seamlessly switch between their devices, from your headphones to speakers. This feature was already available for YouTube Music.
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