Google’s Android update tackles motion sickness, accessibility, and more

Google has unveiled five new Android updates aimed at enhancing accessibility, utility, and personalization. In a blog post, the tech giant announced these features, which include measures to combat motion sickness, aid blind and low-vision users, and improve the ability to locate important items. While some features may seem to lag behind Apple's offerings, others directly utilize Google's Gemini AI for enhancements.

The most noteworthy update is "Motion Assist," designed to alleviate motion sickness for users navigating in moving vehicles. This feature overlays a responsive bubble on the screen that mimics the vehicle's movement, thereby reducing the dissonance between visual perception and physical sensation. While the concept isn't groundbreaking, Apple launched a similar "Vehicle Motion Cues" feature in 2024 that features animated dots following the car's motion.

Another feature, "Guided Vision," caters to blind and low-vision users. By combining the smartphone's camera with Gemini, this tool can assist with daily tasks like reading small text or locating objects. It can also offer guidance when the camera isn't correctly positioned, instructing users on how to reposition their device to get a better view. This functionality is set to roll out on Android 9 and later versions in regions where Gemini is accessible.

Gemini also receives a new capability to help users remember where they've placed essential items. A "remembered items" section within Find Hub will enable users to instruct Gemini about the location of specific items. For instance, if a user places their passport in a bedroom drawer, they can inform Gemini of this, and the device will store this information in Find Hub. Users have the option to add photos for easier identification in the future.

Additionally, Google is integrating Google Keep with Google Messages, enabling users to share and edit lists like grocery or vacation notes directly within a conversation. This update also introduces personalization options for Google Messages, allowing users to customize individual chat backgrounds, photos, and colors, with text bubbles automatically adapting to these changes. Apple introduced a similar feature last year, adding a custom background option to Messages.