Top 3 Key Points:

1. Offline Maps for Wear OS: Google Maps on Wear OS now supports offline maps, syncing automatically from your phone.
2. JPEG Option for Google Drive Scanner: Google Drive’s document scanner on Android can now save scanned documents as JPEGs.
3. Google Sheets ‘Convert to Table’ Feature: Google Sheets introduces an automated suggestion to convert data into well-formatted tables.

Google is rolling out new features for its services, enhancing usability across devices. Two significant updates are now available: offline maps for Wear OS through Google Maps, and a new JPEG saving option for Google Drive’s document scanner on Android.

Offline Google Maps for Wear OS

Following the announcement of the Pixel Watch 3, Google Maps on Wear OS is introducing offline support. Once you update the app, it will automatically download offline maps from your phone to your watch. You can find these under a new “Offline maps” section, just above the Settings option.

This feature is designed to automatically sync your local map data, including any offline areas you’ve saved on your phone, directly to your watch. You can easily manage these offline maps, including viewing how much storage they use and deleting them if needed.

Google also mentions that these maps will automatically sync when your watch is connected to Wi-Fi and charging. When offline, a slashed cloud icon will appear next to the time in the map view, indicating that you’re using the offline mode.

In addition, Wear OS now includes a new “Search & go” Tile, offering quick access to your Home and Work locations, along with a microphone for voice commands. You can also jump straight to the map view by tapping “Map,” skipping the main menu.

This update is available with version 11.140.0701.W of Google Maps for Wear OS, as seen on the Pixel Watch 2. Note that this feature is currently rolling out to users who are part of the public Google Maps beta.

JPEG Saving for Google Drive Document Scanner

Another useful update comes to the document scanner feature in Google Drive on Android. Previously, users could only save scanned documents as PDFs, but now there’s an option to save them as JPEGs.

After capturing an image using the camera function in Google Drive, users can edit the image and choose to save it in either PDF or JPEG format. This new option is available on the “Save to Drive” screen, where you can select the file format before saving. The file name field will update accordingly based on your choice.

This update is gradually rolling out to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. While Android users are already seeing this feature with version 2.24.x of Google Drive, it’s not yet available on iOS.

Google Sheets ‘Convert to Table’ Feature

Google Sheets has also received a new feature this week that will make data management easier. The “Convert to table” suggestion, identified by a small Gemini sparkle icon, offers an automated way to transform your data into well-formatted tables with rich data types.

This feature is turned on by default, but you can disable it if you prefer. To do this, go to Tools > Suggestion controls and uncheck “Enable table suggestions.” You can also manually convert data into a table by selecting the range of data and choosing Format > Convert to the table.

This update is available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

These new features are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance productivity and usability across its ecosystem, ensuring that users have more flexibility and control over how they access and manage their data.

Google has started rolling out the June 2024 update to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. The latest update includes a handful of new features apart from the fresh security patch and numerous bug fixes.

The company recently announced support for PayPal on Wear OS Wallet app in the US and Germany. Google Home app has also added a new “Favorites” tile and watchface complication for quicker control over smart home devices.

The update comes with version TWD9.240605.001.A1 for the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2. To manually trigger the update installation, open the Settings/System/System Update page and tap the watch icon repeatedly.

On Wrist Detection: Improved on-body and off-body detection for users with tattoos on their wrist.

Car Crash Detection on Pixel Watch: Along with the updated Personal Safety app downloadable via Play Store, in this release, your Pixel Watch now detects if a user has been in a car crash and calls for help if the user is unable to.

Bicycle Fall Detection: We have updated the fall detection algorithm to better detect falls from bicycles.

Google announced the rollout of 7 new features for Android and Wear OS devices. The new features will allow you to edit your messages after they’re sent, effortlessly move video calls, and share hotspots between devices.

Check them out here:

1. Edit your messages after they’re sent

Google Messages adds the ability to Edit messages after they are sent. You will be able to Edit your sent message (up to 15 minutes) in the same way as Telegram, WhatsApp and some other social platforms allow.

2. Effortlessly share hotspots and switch between devices for video calls

Instant hotspot feature is coming to the Android ecosystem soon. It will let you connect your Android tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s hotspot with one tap.

If you need to change devices in the middle of a Google Meet call, you can tap the Cast icon to seamlessly switch between your connected devices so you can move between your Android phone, tablet, or web browser.

3. Have a ball this festival season with new Emoji Kitchen combos

Google will soon roll out new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations. In the festive season, Gboard users can remix favorite emojis, like the disco ball and headphones 🪩+🎧, and share them with friends as stickers.

4. Control Google Home devices from your home screen

Google Home also introduced a Favorites widget for the home screen. It will unlock managing and controlling the most used smart devices using the widget itself on the home screen – ending the need to perform extra taps.

5. Manage your favorite smart devices from your Wear OS watch

Google Home’s Favorites tile and complication will be easily customized. It will provide users with the ability to control smart home devices like unlock the doors, dim the lights, or change the temperature before they arrive home.

6. Enjoy more ways to pay with Google Wallet on your Wear OS watch

Google Wallet for Wear OS is getting support for PayPal payments in the US and Germany. You can now make secure payments with PayPal on Google Wallet from your Wear OS watch.

7. Unlock convenience with digital car key — coming to more vehicles

Android’s Digital car key will soon to select Mercedes-Benz and Polestar vehicles. You can lock, unlock, and start your car with just your phone, or securely share your digital car key with family and friends.

(Via)