Sharing digital car keys, Google TV, availability…: Android is full of possibilities before the holidays

It’s time for updates on Android, Google is today announcing some new features for apps available on smartphones and tablets running the operating system. Some are minor, such as the arrival of decorative backgrounds for use behind photo collages in Google Photos. Others aim to improve the ergonomics of devices.

Google thus advertises to facilitate cast video content to a TV from the Google TV app. The number of clicks required to activate it has been reduced and it is now possible to navigate through its content library on mobile when a video is broadcast on the television or to use it as a remote control. A useful option for those who have a television under Android TV or equipped with a Chromecast – of which an HD version has recently been made official by the manufacturer.

We also note the possibility of combining new emojis in pairs to create new ones through the Emoji Kitchen option in GBoard, the Google keyboard or even the appearance of a widget dedicated to YouTube, which in particular allows quick access to their subscriptions or Shorts from the device’s home screen. Accessibility options are also in the spotlight, a new reading mode that allows visually impaired or dyslexic people to adjust the contrasts, size and color of the fonts and even adjust the voice transcription speed.

A feature mainly dedicated to Pixels is also shown. Dematerialized car keys (Digital Key) were already supported by the brand’s smartphones, such as the latest Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Google specifies that it is now possible to share the same digital keys with relatives so that you can borrow your vehicle. Access must be issued and revoked from the app ad hoc of the smartphone, Google Wallet, as is the case between iPhone (since iOS 16.1) with Wallet. The feature is advertised on Pixels and iPhones, but Mountain View states that it “coming soon to select phones running Android 12 and above”.