Your Android phone is getting an upgrade, which could have a significant impact on how you communicate.
Google recently announced a number of operating system upgrades, including a new AI-powered tool for easily revamping your writing, improved emojis, and a redesigned Quick Share. Here’s an overview of what’s new:
New approach to improving your writing
Google has announced new AI writing tools for Gboard, the virtual keyboard for Android devices (which is also available on iOS). When you open the new interface, you’ll see a tool that allows you to adjust your tone to be more formal, expressive, or concise, as well as correct spelling and grammar errors. Google notes that everything happens on the device, ensuring that your data is secure.
Upgraded emoji keyboard
If you can’t find the perfect sticker or emoji, Google has a new solution. There’s a new browse function that allows you to look through a variety of options, as well as new sticker combinations that you can remix and create. A demo video from Google shows a user combining a butterfly emoji and a sneaker to make a sneaker with butterfly wings, but the possibilities are limitless.
This isn’t as advanced as Apple’s Genmoji feature, which allows you to create an emoji with a text description, but it’s a fun new way to be creative.
Redesigned quick share
Sharing files, photos, links, and other content between nearby Android devices (as well as Chromebooks or Windows PCs) is getting a new look that should make it easier to navigate. Google explains that you can now switch between sending and receiving files, view live updates with a progress bar, and more.
This update also adds audio sharing capabilities (including the ability to pair LE headphones between two users) and the ability to create your own custom Android bot by uploading a selfie or typing a prompt.
Rolling out
These new updates typically take some time to roll out, so if you haven’t seen them yet, you will soon.
