To kick off MWC this year, Google unveiled a number of Android upgrades, including AI-powered text summaries for while driving and Gemini integration with Messages. Users of Messages will be able to use Google’s chatbot without ever leaving the messaging app as of this week. Gemini in Messages may assist with routine activities like message composition and event coordination. If you’re bored, you can even have a conversation with it. As of right now, Google claims that the feature is still in testing and is limited to users of Messages that speak English.
Android Auto is also getting a boost from AI that could help minimize distractions from people texting you while you’re on the road. If the group chat is blowing up your phone with nonstop messages or if someone is sending you novels of text, Android Auto will automatically summarize the messages and read you its more succinct version. It’ll also suggest replies and actions based on the messages, like sharing your ETA, so you can respond with a single 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’ll be able to generate descriptions for images found online or received in messages and read them aloud to the user. The feature is only available in English to start, but is rolling out globally. Google’s Lens feature in Maps is getting an enhanced screen reader option as well, which will allow users to 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 casting controls for Spotify called Spotify Connect so users can switch seamlessly between their devices, like from your headphones to a speaker. This feature was already available for YouTube Music.
