Google has started rolling out new Android features as part of the Pixel Drop December 2024 update, offering improved ways to connect and share. This update introduces a variety of enhancements, including QR codes for quicker file sharing, Gemini-enhanced image descriptions, expressive captions, auto-enhanced scans in Google Drive, and more.
QR Codes for Quick File Sharing
Android users can now generate QR codes in Quick Share to send files, eliminating the need to adjust privacy settings. Instead of searching for a nearby device, simply select the file, generate a QR code, and have the recipient scan it to start the transfer.
This feature allows for easy, secure sharing of pictures, videos, and documents without needing to verify devices or add contacts. Additionally, longer file transfers now display a visible percentage progress indicator, according to 9to5Google.
Auto-Enhanced Scans in Google Drive
Google has improved the quality of document scans on Android. The update automatically enhances contrast, white balance, and shadows, ensuring clearer digital copies of receipts, ID cards, and other physical documents, with no manual editing required.
These scans now appear crisper and clearer, providing an improved experience when saving documents to Google Drive.
New Android Features
In addition to the above, the latest Android update introduces several key features:
- Expressive Captions: This feature captures speech tone, volume, and environmental sounds, adding richness to captions across apps. For example, you’ll see labels for whispers, cheers, or sighs. Expressive Captions work in real-time and are available on Android 14 and above, with Live Caption enabled. This feature is available in English in the U.S. starting today.
- Enhanced Image Descriptions: For users with blindness or low vision, Google’s Lookout app now uses Gemini 1.5 Pro to provide more detailed and natural-sounding image descriptions. Users can also ask follow-up questions about images for deeper insights. This feature is available globally.
- Gboard Improvements: Gboard now offers new sticker combos, including pizza-themed stickers, and a new typing feature called Clearflow, designed to improve typing speed and accuracy.
- Gemini Extensions: Gemini’s capabilities are expanding with new extensions for apps like Spotify, phone contacts, messaging, and device controls. Soon, users will also be able to manage smart home devices linked to their Google Account and access more information in Google Maps.
Availability
These updates will roll out in phases to supported Pixel devices in the coming weeks, depending on carrier and device compatibility.