Android remains one of the most powerful mobile platforms, reaching another new milestone with more than 3 billion Android devices worldwide. To celebrate the occasion, Google rolled out some new Android features that span productivity, connectivity, and personality for its Android devices.
Even better, its famous mascot (and logo) — the bugdoid — will take inspiration from Google's Material Design, making it look more alive than ever. Not only does Android's logo resemble Google's, but the bugdoid mascot has a new 3D look to match the rich diversity of the Android community.
While a revamp of the Android logo and mascot is long overdue, the sweeter news here is that all the new Android features are coming to a phone near you. One of the more notable new features includes a huge upgrade to Google Wallet.
Digitize barcodes to Google Wallet
It happens to the best of us, but you've probably had the annoying experience of losing your grocery discount or gym membership. That's why we're excited that Google Wallet will soon let you create digital versions of these loyalty cards. You basically digitize your passes with barcodes or QR codes so they all work on your Android phone.
You don't need to strap all those loyalty cards to your keychain anymore. Instead, you can clean up the clutter and carry it all digitally on your Android smartphone. Android users have long been able to do this, but this new process simplifies it even more: you now just snap a photo of your pass or card with the corresponding barcode, instead of manually entering the details yourself.
Dynamic Overview Widget
Android smartphone owners will soon be able to use a new Assistant overview widget that displays useful information, similar to the widgets commonly found in Google's Nest smart displays.
It's worth pointing out that this new feature is available on devices running Android 9 or higher, but it will display high-resolution travel updates, including reminders and weather alerts. They'll all be packaged into the simple-looking Assistant At a Glance widget, so you don't have to waste time digging through several apps to get all those details, because they'll all be displayed in one place.
Visual content is more accessible
Those with severe vision loss or blindness have a harder time making out visual content, which is why Android is making them easier to make out with image quizzes on Google's Lookout visual assistant app.
The service uses artificial intelligence to generate more detailed descriptions of problems with photos in cameras and social media apps. Users simply type or speak questions about photos they see on their phones, and the Lookout visual assistant app automatically generates detailed answers.
Join a conference call from the car display
Sometimes commuting can be a hindrance, which is why you'll be happy to know you'll soon be able to take conference calls from your car's display. With the new update to Android Auto, you'll be able to join conference calls with audio, so you can keep an eye on the road and stay involved in the call. While driving on the road, the last thing you need to do is fumble with your phone, trying to get into a conference call.
Listen to your sleep stats
Sleep data is gold. If you happen to own a wearable that supports Google Fit or Fitbit activities, you'll soon be able to update your sleep every morning.
You'll be able to hear more about your sleep by setting a personal routine through the Google Home app. When you start saying "Hey Google, good morning," you'll hear your sleep stats from the Google Assistant.
These new Android features continue to show that Android is a diverse platform, but with the release of Android 14 this fall, there will be more new content. Beyond that, we should hear more exclusive Pixel features at the upcoming Pixel event in October, where we'll officially unveil the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.