Android Automotive enhances safety with heads-up navigation display
Key Points:
- Quick Info: Distance, time, and arrival data are now shown directly in the dashboard.
- Safety Boost: Keeps essential navigation details within easy view while driving.
- Convenience: Allows other apps to stay open without losing navigation details.
Android Automotive has introduced a new feature that enhances driving safety and convenience. The latest update adds a heads-up mini display that shows essential travel information, such as distance, travel time, and estimated arrival time, directly on the dashboard when using Google Maps for navigation.
This new display feature has begun rolling out for Google Maps and is already visible on vehicles like the Polestar 2 with the latest Android Automotive P3.1.10 build. Previously, this information was confined to the center console, but now it appears as a small block on the dashboard when you start navigation. The block shows the estimated travel time, distance in miles or kilometers, and expected arrival time, all based on your current speed.
While this heads-up panel improves accessibility, it might slightly cover some map directions while you’re driving. However, once you reach your destination or cancel the navigation, the mini-panel disappears, reverting to the basic Maps overview or the default Android Automotive dashboard.
Updates to Android Automotive tend to be gradual, but even small changes like this can significantly improve the driving experience. This feature is particularly beneficial as it reduces the need to glance away from the road, keeping key navigation information in your line of sight. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances safety by minimizing distractions.
Moreover, this update is a time-saver. Drivers no longer need to reopen the Maps app on the center console to check travel details. They can keep other apps, such as music or media, open without losing track of essential navigation information.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
YouTube is making content creation easier and more fun with new AI features.
- AI-powered video backgrounds: Create stunning visuals for your Shorts videos with Google’s Veo AI model.
- AI-powered video ideas: Get inspiration for your next video with YouTube Studio’s AI-powered brainstorming tool.
- AI-powered comments: Quickly respond to your viewers with AI-suggested replies.
YouTube is adding more AI features to help creators make better videos. One of the biggest announcements is the integration of Veo, a powerful AI model, into YouTube Shorts. This means you can create high-quality backgrounds and even short video clips using just a few words.
Imagine being able to describe a scene, like “a bustling city street at sunset,” and having Veo instantly generate a visually stunning background for your Short. Or, perhaps you need a quick clip to transition between two scenes; Veo can create a short video that perfectly fits your needs.
Another exciting feature is the new AI-powered brainstorming tool in YouTube Studio. This tool can suggest video ideas based on your channel’s history and what’s popular on YouTube. It’s like having a creative assistant that always has fresh ideas.
For example, if you’ve been creating cooking videos, the tool might suggest ideas like “Vegan cooking hacks” or “Quick and easy weeknight meals.” Or, if you’re a gaming channel, it could suggest ideas like “Top 5 new games to try” or “Let’s play a classic game.”
YouTube is also working on AI-powered comments. This feature will suggest replies to comments, making it easier for creators to engage with their audience.
For example, if a viewer leaves a comment saying “Great video!” the AI might suggest a reply like “Thanks for watching!” Or, if a viewer asks a question, the AI could suggest a helpful answer based on the video’s content.
These new AI features are making YouTube an even more powerful platform for creators. By automating tasks like background creation and idea generation, creators can spend more time focusing on what they do best: creating great content.
-
News7 months agoSamsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
Apps7 months agoGboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News6 months ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News6 months agoSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News7 months ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
Apps4 months agoGoogle’s fancy new Weather app is finally available for more Android phones
-
News7 months agoSatellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
News7 months agoGoogle Pixel evolves as Europe’s third best selling flagship