Google recently released a new version of Android 12. The operating system is still available only on fresh flagships, but the “corporation of good” does not forget about other devices.
The company announced at once 10 innovations that will expand the functionality of the system. They will be available on a large number of devices, the presence of Android 6.0 is indicated among the minimum requirements, that is, even oldies from 2016 like Redmi Note 3 Pro should be pumped.
Now Android smartphones can be used as a digital key for a car, which the latest iPhones already know how to do. The feature integration will start with the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21 models, and will initially only be compatible with BMW models.
The second major update will be the Family Bell feature. Thanks to it, family members will be able to plan group events, reminders of the approach of which will be received by everyone at once. The option will receive flexible settings so that notifications come not only to smartphones, but also tablets, smart speakers and smart displays.
Also, the developers have announced a selection of interactive widgets that will simplify the work with popular services. The Google Play Books widget will give you quick access to your library and show your progress while listening to audiobooks. A similar widget will appear in YouTube Music, making it easier to control playback from your home screen.
Google Photos will improve the new automatic collage “People and Pets”, and improve the “Memories” function, opening the ability to remove certain people and locations from an automatically generated grid.
Among the changes, it is also worth highlighting the automatic activation of Android Auto in the car, new options for quick replies to messages, the ability to search for music using voice commands in multimedia applications, an updated section with emoji in Gboard and automatic reset of permissions for applications that are rarely used.
Google will start sending innovations in waves in the coming weeks. Some functions are integrated into the applications themselves, while others will arrive on devices along with the Google Play Services update.
