Six Google apps are getting free updates that improve their features, security, and accessibility. Some of these are linked, such as Google Maps getting a universal Dark Mode across the entire app, while others incorporate perks available in other services, such as using Messaging to pre-record text.
The six apps that receive updates are: Google Maps, Messaging, TalkBack, Checkword Passup, Google Assistant, and Android Auto.
Android Update *: Messaging✅Security✅ Accessibility✅Google Assistant✅PLUS, Pixel exclusives coming soon, too! * Android updates for at least 3 years from the date device are first available on Google Store in the USA See https: // t. co / EbrZZ78stM https://t.co/Yb242cnjZFFebruary 23, 2021
There doesn’t seem to be a specific verse or reason for these apps to get improvements, according to Google blog post, but we’re not complaining – just keep in mind that they don’t come with all versions of Android, with different minimum versions for each update (we’ll reveal those thresholds below). These updates will also be released to Android phones ‘soon,’ so they can reach your devices in days, weeks, or longer – but they’re coming.
Let’s go through each app update one at a time.
Google maps with dark mode
Google Maps had a Dark Mode, but it only started when navigating to a destination. Now, every screen of the app will follow the easy-to-see Dark Mode visual pattern.
Once your Google Maps are updated, you can turn it on for your entire phone by going to Options> Theme and selecting Always In Dark Theme. As far as we can tell, this is coming to Google Maps in all versions of Android.
Recording text messages in messages
This one is pretty easy. Once your Messaging app is updated, you can do as usual and then long press the ‘Submit’ button to open a menu where you can view the date and time you want. to be elected.
This feature is available for owners of the Messaging app running Android 7 and above.
TalkBack screen reader: better around
Google’s screen reader app, TalkBack, has been revamped with input from blind and low-vision communities to be more intuitive, flexible and responsive. There are more voice and gesture controls, an integrated chart, a new read control panel that lets you customize gestures, and more.
These updates seem to be coming to all versions of TalkBack – just download the latest version, which is available now.
Checkword Checkword checks out passwords on all your apps
The Checkword Password update will tell you if the login credentials you used were corrupted – and now the feature can scan across all of your apps.
If you use Google Password Manager to enter Autofill usernames and passwords into apps or online in Chrome, Password Check can help scan all credentials you use against lists of publicly available passwords – that is, known to have been stolen and potentially involved. in large leaks.
If Checkword Checkup finds that you have used one of these passwords, it will warn you via a popup to change them. This feature is available for Android 9 and later users. Not sure if you have implemented Autofill? Head to Settings> System> Languages & Settings> Advanced to tap Autofill service, though that may not be the way to select Autofill on your Android phone – in which case, use the function search for ‘Autofill,’ CNET praising.
Google Assistant: interacts while the screen is locked
A new update for Google Assistant responds even while the screen is off and the device is locked – if it is, it will show cards with larger and easier-to-read text from further afield, making it less cluttered. chore to view the Assistant’s responses. to your questions.
To enable the feature, head to Settings> Google Support and tap on Lock Screen Personal Results. This seems to be available with all Android formats.
Android Auto: shortlists and more wallpapers
Android Auto update adds summaries to the launch screen that gives you quick access to your acquaintances, Google Supporter, weather and more. Cars with wider touch screens can use the screen split feature to use Android Auto along with Google Maps and media controls. You can also add a privacy screen that controls when Android Auto appears on your display.
The update also adds voice-controlled games, such as Jeopardy and other trivia-like titles.
Finally, the update now allows users to choose from a selection of wallpapers, including those with a ‘car-inspired background,’ as the update installs. The new features should be available in the coming days for users running Android 6.0 or higher.