Google announces new features for Android, Chrome, Wear OS

Google showcased nine new features at MWC 2023 that could be available to users of Android, Chrome, Wear OS and some of its services in the coming weeks, some of which are rolling out today. The intention of the giant is not only to introduce something new, but also to improve the experience in various areas.

Magic Eraser

This is a photo editing tool that allows you to select elements of a photo and remove them in such a way that the end result is as inconspicuous as possible. It will only remain pre-installed on Pixel smartphones, while the rest of Android and iOS devices need to subscribe to at least the basic Google One plan, which costs 1.99 euros per month.

Emoji Kitchen

A feature present on the Gboard virtual keyboard that allows you to combine two different emoji into one, which opens the door to revealing the artistic vein of the user. or to send more complex characters. Google has been working on expanding the feature, adding more options, such as crossing the emoji with a basketball or different colors to mark the start of spring. The company will continue to work on introducing even more combinations.

Chrome

An important application not only for Android, but rather the axis of Google's commercial policy. The browser will allow you to zoom in up to 300% and set the specified default zoom in all directions so you don't have to change it every time you open it. Although this feature is expected to arrive in the stable version of the browser during March, the most impatient can start using it simply by installing the beta channel (Chrome Beta).

The search giant is working on implementing a “one note per Google Keep” widget that allows you to add one of the user’s notes to the system’s home screen, including reminders, background colors, and any images that have been added to the note. Thus, it will be possible to mark things in the to-do list without even opening Google Keep.

Google Meet

The video calling and virtual meeting service has built noise cancellation into its Android and iOS apps. Please note that to access this feature, you must be a paid Google One subscriber or one of the following versions of Google Workspace: Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, Frontline, Teaching & Learning Update, or an individual Workspace subscriber. Users of Pixel 4 smartphones or later will have Google Meet noise cancellation as an option.

Google Drive

The cloud storage service has been allowing PDFs to be viewed for years, but the company says that in the future, users will be able to draw on documents with just a stylus or finger. without special configuration for this. This can be used, for example, to highlight text.

Fast Pair

Quick pairing is moving from Android to Chromebooks, Google-based personal computers with Chrome OS as the operating system. Quick pairing is a protocol that allows you to quickly and automatically connect Bluetooth devices, but for this it must be supported by both the computer and the device you intend to connect.

Google Pay

He is going to add new animations, among which there is an animation depicting penguins. Its appearance means that the payment was made successfully. Apart from a slightly more engaging experience with the app and service, it may also help users feel a little less guilty when it comes to exposing their consumer aspect.

Wear OS 3

Finally, Wear OS 3 will bring new sounds and display modes. There's mono audio that can reduce the feeling of split audio, as well as color correction and grayscale modes that let you customize how the clock screen looks.