Google has developed six new features for Android (and Android Auto) that will make your phone safer and easier to use. These are available for older phones, those running Android 9 and even Android 6 in a single instance. Here are the novelties.
Password verification will let you know if your password has been exposed
Google added the password checking feature to Chrome in 2019. Basically, Google keeps track of hacks that expose passwords – these passwords are now dangerous because hackers can easily try to use them to log in. .
Now when you enter a password in an app using autofill, you will receive a warning if that password is leaked and instructions on what to do next. This feature works on phones with Android 9 and above.
You can find more details about password verification and how to activate it here.
Messaging app can schedule texts
The Messages app has been updated (for phones running Android 7 and above) to support scheduling a text. You write your message in advance, choose the time it should be sent and the app takes care of the rest.
To activate the feature, press and hold the Send button and you will see a pop-up window which allows you to choose a time and date. To be clear, you need to be running Google’s Messages app for this to work.
TalkBack makes Android accessible to blind and visually impaired users
TalkBack is Android’s screen reader. You can navigate the entire user interface without looking at the screen by using comments and voice gestures. Google has worked with blind and visually impaired communities to develop more intuitive gestures, a new playback control menu, and more.
You can download Android Accessibility Suite to benefit from TalkBack.
Google Assistant can take commands even if the phone is locked
The Google Assistant has learned new skills and you can now use it even if the phone is locked. You can say things like “Ok Google, set an alarm” or “Hey Google, play some pop music on Spotify”.
You can also turn on the Personal Lock Screen Results feature in the Assistant, which will allow you to send texts and make calls with voice commands.
Google Maps gets a dark theme
Everything needs a dark mode – even Google Maps. You can turn it on permanently by going to the app settings (tap your account image at the top right), then Theme and choosing “Always in dark theme”. “Always in Light Theme” is also available.
Android Auto makes the most of your car’s screen
Google added shortcuts to the Android Auto launch screen for quick access to contacts. You can also ask the assistant about the weather, then ask them to adjust the thermostat. Cars with larger screens benefit from a kind of split-screen multitasking – they can show Google Maps and music controls side by side. You can also adjust what appears on the car screen by setting up a privacy screen.
There is more. You can set wallpapers and if you are bored you can play voice games like trivia and “Jeopardy!”. All of this is available on phones with Android 6.0 and newer.
