Google has largely moved away from big annual OS updates in favor of more frequent Pixel Drops. Still, the pre-I/O edition of The Android Show gives the company the chance to give you a glimpse of what’s coming via Android 17.
The most exciting update for many will be the introduction of 3D emoji. Google calls this collection Noto 3D. Pixel phones will be the first to have access to these emoji later this year. Google says they will be available on all its products.
A new text-to-speech feature based on Gemini Intelligence, called Rambler, will aim to remove filler words and clarify what you sound like you’re trying to say. “You can speak naturally and it will take the important parts and then put them together into a concise message,” Google explains. The company says Rambler will even take into account changing language mid-sentence. The tool will not save or store your speech, which is only used for transcription.
A feature called Pause Point is designed to help you use your phone more intentionally, given how easy it is to ignore things like app timers. If you enable Pause Point and a time-consuming app, there will be a 10-second delay where you’ll be asked to think about why you’re trying to use it. Pause Point might suggest a breathing exercise, setting a timer, photos to look at, or another app that might ultimately be more uplifting.
It won’t be very easy to disable Pause Point completely either. To do this, you’ll need to restart your phone, which might be enough of a sticking point that many people wonder if it’s a good idea. Anything that can help more people reduce the time they spend doomscrolling has to be a positive step.
Features are also in the works for creators, including on-screen reactions. The idea is that you will be able to record yourself and your screen simultaneously. This might make it easier for you to react to a new song or something interesting on the web and post a video about it. Pixel devices will first have access to Screen Reactions this summer. Also in the coming months, expect to see an Adobe Premiere app on Android. This will feature exclusive templates and effects, Google says, as well as the ability to post YouTube shorts without having to switch apps.
Elsewhere, Google says it has partnered with Apple to ease the process of switching from iOS to Android by wirelessly transferring data including passwords, photos, messages, apps, contacts and even your eSIM. Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices will be the first to support this option, starting later this year.
Additionally, Google will make Quick Share compatible with Apple’s AirDrop on Android handsets from partners including Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi and Honor later this year. Additionally, starting today, you will be able to generate a QR code on any Android phone via Quick Share and use it to share information with iOS devices via the cloud. It’s a workaround, but it might do the trick for now. Additionally, Quick Share will soon be available in more apps, including Whatsapp.
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