Google releases a new Feature Release to Android every three months. The principle is simple; adds new features to the operating system, usually announced during the presentation of the operating system in question; other updates mainly consist of fixing bugs and other security flaws. That’s why a new Feature Pack is coming to our smartphones this month of September – although we didn’t qualify for Android 14, it’s expected to finally arrive next month.
So we’ll have to be happy with this minor refresh in Android 13, but it’s still pretty important as it brings a lot of interesting features. In particular, we see conferences coming to Android Auto via Zoom and the improvement of the Google Preview widget, which displays new, very practical information. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the latest update.
Here are all the new features coming to Android 13
Google’s Overview widget shows new information
The first innovation is that the Google Preview widget has some improvements. For beginners, a new design that shows the details more clearly attracts our attention. But above all, it is all new information that now appears on the lock screen of your smartphone. In particular, it is possible to receive alerts about the weather, your future trips and events. Practice not to forget anything.
1) Google App’s At a Glance widget gets a visual refresh and new features. The widget will reveal useful information such as weather alerts, travel updates and event reminders. (Note: This is not the same At-A-Glance widget available on Pixel devices.) pic.twitter.com/CUjGLn9Z7f
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023
Lookout app can now identify any image
You may be using Lookout, this application that allows visually impaired people to better interact with their smartphones and their surroundings. The latter therefore deserves a major update as it can now identify any user-uploaded image. He or she may also ask questions to gain more detail, either orally or in writing. The icing on the cake: Lookout now supports 11 new languages, a total of 34 languages.
2) The Lookout app can now automatically generate descriptions from images with low-quality captions or no alt text, with the visual Q&A feature now out of closed beta. Users can then use their voice or text to ask questions about the image. pic.twitter.com/amp6LJDzS7
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023
Google Wallet can now scan any card in a photo
Google Wallet is arguably one of Android’s most practical apps, and it’s all about payment, membership, loyalty, etc. it allows you to work almost completely without your wallet by storing your cards. However, since the process of adding these maps can be a bit cumbersome, Google decided to keep things simple. You can now scan any card with a barcode or QR code using a simple photo. The app will do the rest.
3) Google Wallet now supports import of Pass photo, allowing you to digitize any card with barcode or QR code. For example, you can upload a picture of your gym or library card and store a digital version of it in Google Wallet. pic.twitter.com/9Mdw0bqZlZ
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023
Zoom comes to Android Auto for free conferencing
Who hasn’t dreamed of attending a video meeting during a car ride? With the launch of the Android Auto version of Zoom, this is now possible. The app does exactly what you would expect; allows you to join a call and view your upcoming appointments directly from your infotainment system. Be careful to keep an eye on the road, though.
4) Cisco’s Zoom and Webex apps are coming to Android Auto, allowing you to join conference calls by voice and browse your meeting schedules directly from your car screen. pic.twitter.com/TEkt6Ditpp
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023
Google Assistant tells you if you slept well the night before
Google Assistant Routines allow you to retrieve various information or perform various actions automatically as often as you want. With the latest update, it includes the ability to listen to a daily summary of various health data, such as the quality of your sleep or your physical activity during the day, using a simple option.
5) You can now have Assistant automatically read your activity and sleep data (from Fitbit or Google Fit) via a new action in personal Routines. For example, you can add the action “Get health info” to the “Hey Google, good morning” routine. pic.twitter.com/DWK6QP1VEb
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023