Google’s been on a roll, dishing out fresh Android features in those in-between moments when we’re not yet graced with a major update like the hyped-up Android 14. The most recent drop brings us some nifty functionalities, especially handy for those rocking a Wear OS watch on their wrists, orchestrating the smart home symphony.
So, there’s a bunch of 11 new features in the mix, according to Google’s official blog spill. The whole spectrum of devices gets a slice of the action, but the ones that pique interest the most are the Wear OS updates. Now, your wrist companion can flex its muscles by commanding a broader array of appliances, from robot vacuums to mops, making you the maestro of your smart abode. And guess what? You can slap a Google Assistant shortcut right on your watch face for that extra dash of convenience.
Hold on, there’s more! Your Wear OS smartwatch is now the boss when it comes to declaring your whereabouts in the Google Home app – no more relying solely on your phone for that. It’s a game-changer, triggering a cascade of smart home moves as you step in or out.
Google Messages is jazzing things up with custom background themes for voice messages and those full-screen emoji reactions to texts – you know, the ones that are like iMessage but for the Android crew. And if you’re a Google TV enthusiast in the US, brace yourself for 10 more free channels, covering everything from movies to sports and game shows. And hey, for the security buffs out there, Android is letting you set up a custom PIN code if your phone moonlights as a FIDO2 security key – an extra layer of protection.
