Today, Google introduced seven new updates and features designed to help users acquire new skills, stay productive on the go, and protect their information on smart devices, including Wear OS smartwatches.
Reading practice
Improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills using your Android phone or tablet with the new reading practice feature. Access thousands of children's eBooks on Google Play Books marked with the Exercise badge. Get real-time feedback, practice mispronounced words and improve your reading skills.
At first glance with three new widgets
Customize the home screen of your Android phone or tablet with three new widgets. Stay informed with customized suggestions for movies and TV shows from Google TV, track stocks with Google Finance, and read selected daily headlines from Google News.
Music and podcasts from your watch
Enjoy music and podcasts directly from your Wear OS smartwatch. Access a personalized Spotify music menu, stream podcast episodes and listen to your favorite tracks. Discover new tiles and watch face shortcuts for easy access.
SmarTrip with Google Wallet
People who commute in Washington, D.C. and in the San Francisco Bay Area, can now conveniently use their Wear OS smartwatch to quickly pay and ride with SmarTrip and Clipper cards through Google Wallet.
Google Keep for Wear OS
Manage your tasks efficiently with Google Keep for Wear OS. Pin important notes or to-do lists to your watch for quick access. Stay organized by scrolling through tiles and finding pinned notes.
Kitchen emoji on Gboard with new water theme
Express yourself with Emoji Kitchen on Gboard. Create personalized emoticon stickers to send in messages. Explore new combinations of water-themed emoticons for a refreshing summer or a cool winter vibe.
Dark Web Report
Protect your online identity with the dark web feature. Check if your Gmail address has been exposed on the dark web through Google One and get instructions on how to protect yourself.
Google One members can also look up other personal information, such as social security numbers. Google said the Dark Web message is available in the US right now and will soon expand to more than 20 countries.
Judy Chang, director of product management, Google, announced the updates:
We're committed to improving your device with regular updates throughout the year to ensure continuous improvements even between our annual OS releases. The Android team works tirelessly to bring you new features and updates that make your devices and Google apps even better.
