Google announced a series of Android updates to launch the MWC this year, including Gemini integration with AI-driven messages and text summaries as you drive. Starting this week, Messages users will be able to access Google's chatbot without leaving the SMS app. Gemini in Messages can handle basic tasks like writing messages and helping plan events, or you can just chat with it if you're bored. The feature is still in beta and is currently only available to English Messages users, Google says.
Android Auto also benefits from AI which could help minimize distractions caused by people texting you while you're on the road. If group chat is blowing up your phone with non-stop messages or someone is sending you text novels, Android Auto will automatically summarize the messages and read its more succinct version to you. It will also suggest replies and actions based on messages, like sharing your ETA, so you can reply with a single click and focus on driving.
Google also announced new accessibility features for Android at MWC, including AI-generated image captions in the Lookout app. It will be able to generate descriptions for images found online or received in messages and read them aloud to the user. The feature is only available in English to start, but it's rolling out globally. Google's Lens feature in Maps also gets an improved screen reader option, which will allow users to point their phone's camera at something in front of them, like a restaurant or public transit station, and hear information about it.
The Android updates also include new streaming controls for Spotify called Spotify Connect so users can seamlessly switch between their devices, like from your headphones to a speaker. This feature was already available for YouTube Music.
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