The annual I/O developer conference kicked off Wednesday. The company announced a bunch of new products and software updates.
The shiny new gadgets might have stolen the show, but you can still learn about the things that were announced in our separate story. To that end, the keynote event showcased a number of new features for the company's products.
The biggest updates have been announced.
There is a mobile operating system called Android 13
There are more details about the next version of the OS for mobile devices. The OS will be more secure and compatible with other devices when it arrives in the fall. End-to-end encryption will be brought to group texts with the expansion of support for the RCS texting standard. Multilingual users will be able to set specific apps to use specific languages. It will be easier to cast videos or photos to more TVs, displays, and other screens in your home with additional support for more manufacturers.
We will have a deeper look at Android 13 when it arrives later this year.
The wallet was found by the search engine.
The refreshed app is going to become the default digital currency container for the operating system. All of your credit cards, transit cards, vaccine verification, and even your park pass to Disney World will be held in your wallet. You're correct if you think that sounds like a thing that already exists. The Wallet app will soon support digital IDs, including drivers licenses, according to the company. We will see how long both of these options stay around, because Google frequently kills off its own services.
There are new safety features.
The new additions to the software platforms were designed to protect against cyberattacks. The two-factor system is being improved and enabled by default. Phishing protections are being carried over from Gmail to the office suite. When account settings can be changed, it will flag.
Virtual cards aims to keep your credit card info private while you shop. Virtual Cards will generate a randomized card number if you autofill credit card information, so you don't have to manually enter sensitive info.
There is a WIRED story about the new safety features of Google.
The Multisearch is here.
It was courtesy of the search engine.
A feature called Multisearch was rolled out last month. It allows you to combine elements in a single search query, like using a photo and text at the same time. Soon, Multisearch will get a new change. Near Me is a feature that lets you factor in your location while Multisearching helps to find local restaurants and shops based on photos and text. Multisearch Near Me will be available later this year, though it only works with English.
Mapped experience.
Immersive View is a feature in the Maps section of the website. It's a sort of tricked out Street View that lets you move around in a 3D space. It can show the insides of offices and restaurants. You won't see a 100 percent accurate rendering because most of it is based on user photos. The feature will be available in select cities this year.
Act natural.
To make its voice assistant understand more nuances of conversation, it has made moves. The new Look and Talk feature on the Nest Hub Max aims to make talking with a voice assistant less like shouting at a slab of concrete. The system is designed to recognize when you're directing a question, so you won't have to say "OK" anymore. The built-in camera on the Nest Hub Max can be used to monitor how close you are to the device, how your head is turned, and which way your gaze is directed. It can tell if you are looking at the device or waiting for an answer.
In case you need a second to think, the Assistant allows for pauses in a query. Just like having a conversation with a person. The company didn't say if the assistant will ever be capable of love.
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