Google's Big Product Announcements at the 2024 Mobile World Congress (#MWC24)

It's time for another Mobile World Congress, the largest and most influential event for the connectivity ecosystem.

Each year, MWC gathers mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers, vendors, content owners, and anyone interested in the future of tech to find out where the industry, your business and your career are headed.

Here are the big product and feature updates from Google at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain scheduled to hold from February 26 - 29, 2024.

Google Introduces Gemini AI to Messages App

Google has rolled out a grab-bag of new AI updates to its Android experience at its Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. One of its biggest updates is the introduction of Gemini to Messages.

With Gemini - renamed from Google Bard, you can draft messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or simply have fun conversations—all without leaving the Messages app.

This feature is currently available only for Android users who are part of Google's beta program and only supports English.

Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Text Summarization for Android Auto

As part of these recent updates, Google is updating your car's AI to summarize incoming texts while you're on the road, keeping you safe and focused. This feature designed to address texting while driving concerns is coming to Android Auto.

Initially announced alongside the Galaxy S24 series launch, Google is shipping the feature to Android Auto. Messages shorter than 40 words are read aloud without summarization. Additionally, the feature suggests responses and actions to incoming texts, such as sharing ETA or initiating a call.

To ensure user privacy, Google emphasizes that Assistant doesn't log messages or interactions for training its language model.

Google Photos Brings Android 14 Share Menu to More Pixel Phones

Google Photos is expanding its Android 14 share menu to a wider range of Pixel devices, enhancing the sharing experience for users.

Initially launched for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October, this revamped share sheet is now available on all Pixel phones, including the Pixel Fold, with Google Photos version 6.71.

This revamped share sheet offers faster loading times and intuitive features like sharing via links, creating albums, and quick editing options. While currently exclusive to Pixel phones, Google may extend this feature to other Android devices in the future.

Google Unveils Google Wallet Passes for Wear OS Smartwatches

Alongside its MWC announcements, there is also big news for Wear OS users! Google has added Google Wallet passes to its smartwatches, a feature long-awaited by Android smartwatch owners.

Google has confirmed the integration of boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships, loyalty cards, and more directly into Wear OS. But that's not all! Google is also enhancing the Wear OS experience further by introducing detailed public transit directions. No need to fumble with your phone anymore—simply glance at your wrist to check departure times.

While some lucky users may have caught glimpses of this feature in recent weeks, Google is now officially rolling it out. With the update, any passes stored in Google Wallet will display on your Wear OS watch with a convenient QR code or barcode.

Google Adds New Accessibility Features to Android Experience

Google is rolling out new accessibility features to enhance the digital experience for users with visual impairments.

First up, members of these communities will now have the ability to hear auto-generated AI descriptions of photos and online images via Lookout. This feature provides greater accessibility by providing auditory descriptions of visual content, making it easier for users to navigate digital spaces.

Also, Google is expanding its accessibility offerings with enhanced screen reader support for Lens in Maps. Now, users can explore their surroundings more effectively by simply pointing their phone.

Follow all of Techloy's coverage of the technology news happening locally and globally and get up to date with what's happening in the key markets within the region.