Google rolls out new features for Android smartphones

Improvements are also being made to device accessory connectivity and bolstering protection against phone call fraud. These features will roll out gradually to compatible devices, independent of a major Android update.

One notable addition is the ability to connect Android smartphones with Android-XR headsets. Available functionality will vary by model, potentially including navigation, translations, or Gemini information displayed directly through the headset.

“Find My Device” is also receiving updates. Tracker tags attached to keys, wallets, and other items will be automatically associated with their owners. Utilizing Google’s location network, users can locate these tagged items even without an internet connection. NFC support will further simplify interaction with these trackers, allowing users to access a tracker’s information and settings by holding a smartphone near it.

The Google Play Store is introducing “Ask Google Play,” a feature that answers questions about apps by summarizing user reviews and providing relevant quotes and videos with timestamps. A “Relive” function is being added for gamers, allowing them to save the past 30 seconds of gameplay as a video. Gemini will also provide personalized game recommendations with explanations. Download progress will now display either an estimated remaining time or data amount instead of a percentage. Short videos from Google Play can be shared via link and viewed on devices without Android.

Google Wallet will now allow users to scan and store receipts within the app. A new message center is also included, and transaction messages will feature revised merchant names for improved clarity.

For security, Google is expanding fraud protection on devices running Android 15 or earlier, specifically preventing apps from obtaining broad accessibility permissions during calls. Finally, the display of earthquake and other disaster warnings will be redesigned for improved clarity and accessibility.