Google is constantly updating Android with new features to enhance privacy and security, new ways to experience Google AI (such as Gemini Live and Circle to Search), and improved ways to communicate with others, such as the ability to edit text messages after they have been sent.
CNET Tech Tips
Google is launching five more Android updates today, including offline maps for your WearOS smartwatch, an expanded earthquake alert system that can notify you of a possible earthquake from anywhere in the United States, and an updated Circle to Search that can help you identify music you hear outside.
These are Google’s five recently released improvements.
1. No matter where you are in the United States, be alerted before an earthquake occurs.
A free app called the Android Earthquake Alerts System can identify an earthquake and notify you before you experience any shaking. Google said today that all 50 states and six territories would soon be able to use the Android Earthquake Alerts System.
The notifications that the Android Earthquake Alerts System sends you
You can get one of these two kinds of alerts just before an earthquake occurs.
Google
Be Aware Alert and Take Action Alert are the two alerts you might anticipate receiving in the event of an earthquake in your neighborhood. With details on the location and magnitude of the earthquake, the Be Aware Alert is intended to warn you of any minor shaking. Those who could feel moderate to severe shaking are notified of the Take Action Alert, which includes safety tips.
You may touch your screen to get instructions on what to do next once the shaking stops.
2. To find the song you’re listening to, use Circle to Search.
If you have a phone with Circle to Search, you can use the AI-powered tool to help you discover a song, whether it’s playing in a bar, in your vehicle, at a restaurant, at a concert, or even on social media. Shazam is wonderful for identifying music you hear in the wild.
To activate Circle to Search on your compatible phone, just long-press the home button or navigation bar. Then, hit the music button at the bottom of your screen, which is adjacent to the Google search button. Google search results should include the song’s title, artist, and YouTube link.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Circle to Search feature is included with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
CNET/John Kim
3. Use your WearOS watch to access Google Maps offline.
When you’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s difficult to utilize Google Maps since not all of its features—or maybe none at all—will function to navigate you around. Because of this, you should always download Google Maps offline, particularly if you are planning a vacation.
Thankfully, you can now utilize offline maps on your wristwatch if you have a WearOS Watch. The map will sync with your watch so you can see it right from your wrist, even if you forget your phone, as long as it has been downloaded to your phone as well.
Two more Google Maps shortcuts have been added by Google for your smartwatch: You can use only your voice to find a place, and you can touch on the face of your watch to see where you are.
the Pixel Watch 3
When it launches, Google Maps will be accessible offline on the Pixel Watch 3.
4. As you continue to browse the web, Chrome will play a web page aloud.
A new tool that can read any website aloud to you from inside Chrome—such as a lengthy essay or recipe—is also arriving today.
The function, titled “Listen to this page,” is accessible via the three-dot menu located in the upper-right corner of any webpage in your computer browser. When the function is activated, a player with many playback controls will appear at the bottom of the screen. The music may be played or paused, 10 seconds can be skipped forward and backward, you can scrub to the moment you like, and you can turn on text highlighting and auto scroll. You may also choose the language, chosen voice, and listening speed.
Additionally, you are not required to remain on the page in order to continue listening; you may explore the website, go to another tab, or even lock your screen and still hear the page being read aloud.
5. Using Gemini, you may also hear thorough audio explanations of pictures.
Gemini AI models on compatible devices will now provide you with more thorough audio explanations for photographs on your phone or tablet if you’re using TalkBack on your Android device.
Most Android smartphones come with TalkBack, a Google screen reader that gives spoken feedback so those with visual impairments, such as those who are blind or have limited vision, may operate their device without looking at the screen. TalkBack will proclaim text, buttons, and other elements on your screen as you touch or swipe around it. The accessibility feature may even provide suggestions for what to do next.
Your camera roll, text messages, social network posts, and online photographs will all benefit from this new Gemini function.