Google Enhances Android with Circle to Search and Music Recognition Features
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Google reveals Android features including Music Search in Circle to Search: technology news
Moreover, Google now lets users listen to pages in Chrome. Users can also customise listening speed, type of voice and language. Google has also said that Android's screen reader, Talkback, will use Gemini models to make audio description of digital images more accessible. "Whether you're looking at online product images, photos in your camera roll, pictures in text messages or images of what's happening on social media, Android's screen reader uses the best of Google AI to bring images to life," said Google.
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Circle to Search adds song finder and Gemini-powered TalkBack coming
Ahead of the fall, Google is highlighting the latest Android features, including the ability to find songs with Circle to Search and TalkBack powered by Gemini models. In addition to sharing, Circle to Search is adding a new song lookup capability. A new music note icon will appear between the search bar (which shrinks down) and translate. A "Listening" overlay will appear with the ability to "Cancel." This works with both a "a song playing on social media from your phone or music that's playing from speakers near you." In the former scenario, Circle to Search is still listening through your phone's microphone, so it doesn't work with audio playing through headphones. A Google Search page will open with the result (and Knowledge Panel). Meanwhile, Google is making official Chrome's "Listen to this page" feature. You can access it from Chrome's overflow menu to bring up a docked bar. Controls include 10-second rewind/forward, playback speed (0.5x to 4x), and several voice options. You can use Chrome Settings > Toolbar shortcut to add a play button next to the address bar. The TalkBack screen reader will soon use Gemini models to "make digital images even more accessible with detailed audio descriptions." Google tells us that this will be a tiered rollout. Whether you're looking at online product images, photos in your camera roll, pictures in text messages or images of what's happening on social media, Android's screen reader uses the best of Google AI to bring images to life. Offline support in Google Maps for Wear OS is also now official. It lets you see the map without your phone. You'll find a new "Offline maps" section just above Settings in the watch app. Google Maps "Automatically syncs when on Wi-Fi & charging." The app also has two new watch face complications to quickly "Show map" and "Search Maps."
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5 new Android features to help you explore, search for music and more
1. Hear detailed audio descriptions of images -- now powered by Gemini TalkBack, Android's screen reader that is designed for people who are blind or have low vision, will now make digital images even more accessible with detailed audio descriptions powered by Gemini models on supported devices. Whether you're looking at online product images, photos in your camera roll, pictures in text messages or images of what's happening on social media, Android's screen reader uses the best of Google AI to bring images to life.
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Google introduces new Android features, including music search capabilities in Circle to Search and improvements to Nearby Share. These updates aim to enhance user experience and connectivity across Android devices.
Circle to Search Expands with Music Recognition
Google has announced a significant update to its Circle to Search feature, introducing music recognition capabilities. This enhancement allows users to identify songs playing in their surroundings or in videos by simply drawing a circle around a music note icon on their screen 1. The feature, which was initially launched in January, has been evolving to offer more versatile search options for Android users.
How Music Search Works
When users activate Circle to Search and draw around the music note, the feature will listen to the ambient audio or video sound to identify the song. Once recognized, it provides information about the track, including the title, artist, and album details. This functionality is particularly useful for discovering new music or identifying songs in various contexts, such as restaurants, stores, or online videos 2.
Availability and Rollout
The music recognition feature within Circle to Search is set to roll out gradually. It will be available on select Android flagship devices, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Google plans to expand this feature to more devices in the coming months, making it accessible to a broader range of Android users 3.
Improvements to Nearby Share
In addition to the music search feature, Google has also announced enhancements to Nearby Share, its file-sharing platform. The update introduces a new "Show Devices" button, making it easier for users to see and select nearby devices for sharing content. This improvement aims to streamline the sharing process and enhance connectivity between Android devices 1.
Other Android Enhancements
Google's latest update package for Android includes several other features designed to improve user experience:
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Emoji Kitchen: This feature now allows users to combine different emojis to create unique stickers, adding a fun and personalized touch to messaging.
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Google TV: The platform is receiving updates to enhance content discovery and organization, making it easier for users to find and enjoy their favorite shows and movies.
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Wear OS: Google's operating system for wearables is also getting attention, with new features aimed at improving functionality and user interaction on smartwatches 3.
These updates collectively represent Google's ongoing efforts to enhance the Android ecosystem, focusing on intuitive search capabilities, improved sharing functions, and overall user experience across various devices and platforms.
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