Google just dropped Android 16, and now they’re rolling out even more cool features. Six new updates are on the way, and they’re all about making your smartphone experience more personal and connected.
Let’s start with Google Messages. This app is getting a major boost for group chats using RCS. Soon, you’ll be able to customize your conversations with new features like custom icons and names for each group. You’ll even be able to see who has RCS active before starting a chat. And if you need some quiet time, you can silence notifications from specific groups for a set period.
Google Photos is also getting a revamp. The new image editor is more intuitive, with frequently used tools right at your fingertips. Editing photos has never been easier, thanks to the redesigned editor.
The new version uses AI to suggest improvements with just one tap. Tools like “Reimagine” let you create scenes from text descriptions, while “Auto frame” helps you find the perfect frame or expand the scene automatically.
For Google Home users, managing your smart home just got more flexible. The new update lets you create shortcuts for your favorite devices on each device. This means you can, for example, pin access to your security cameras on your Google TV, the kitchen speaker on your Android smartphone, and the thermostat on your Wear OS smartwatch.
Personal safety is also getting a boost. The Personal Safety app now lets you add extra time to the “Safety Check” feature, which shares your location and status with emergency contacts. And if you’re feeling creative, the “Emoji Kitchen” has been updated to let you make new and fun sticker combinations.
Lastly, Wear OS smartwatch users will enjoy more convenience with faster and more direct payment options for public transportation right from their wrist.
These updates show Google’s continuous effort to refine its ecosystem, making it more cohesive, intelligent, and adapted to users’ daily lives.