Google has announced a bunch of new features that will be released to all Android smartphones and most Wear OS smartwatches. So, you will likely get these features on your Galaxy smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch. Two of those features are powered by AI, while one feature is very helpful but limited to the USA.
Five new features coming to Galaxy phones, tablets, smartwatches
The few new features coming to Android smartphones and Wear OS smartwatches are:
- Gemini-powered Talkback for detailed audio descriptions of images
- Music Search in Circle to Search
- Listen to webpages in Google Chrome
- Earthquake Alerts in the USA
- Offline Google Maps on Wear OS smartwatches
Talkback
Talkback is Android's screen reader, which is extremely useful for people with visual impairments. It is now powered by Google's new AI-powered digital assistant, Gemini, and can now provide highly detailed image descriptions. It works with images on the web, social media apps, messaging apps, and online shopping apps.
Circle to Search can now identify music
Circle to Search, which is powered by AI, is getting a new feature that lets you identify music playing on your phone or on speakers around you. This is similar to Apple's Shazam app, so you don't need to install third-party apps for music recognition on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
Listen to webpages in Google Chrome
If you prefer listening to articles and news than reading them, Google Chrome will help you. Google's web browser can select the ‘Listen To This Page' option from the app's menu. You can adjust reading speed, select different voices, and have advanced playback controls (like 10-second forward and rewind).
Get earthquake alerts in the USA
Android's Earthquake Alert System is now available in all 50 states and territories in the USA. Its data is crowdsourced, and it helps people stay safe using alerts and life-saving tips.
Offline navigation via Google Maps on Galaxy Watches
Google Maps can now work offline (without internet connectivity or being in the range of a paired phone) on Wear OS-based smartwatches. It means you can navigate to a place even without cellular connectivity using Google Maps on your Galaxy Watch. You need to download the map information of the area beforehand, though.
This feature was leaked a few weeks ago when Google started testing it on Wear OS-based smartwatches. The feature is now rolling out more widely and should be available on your Galaxy Watch (and other Wear OS smartwatches) soon.
Watch the Galaxy Watch 7 in our hands-on video below.
All these new features should be available on your Galaxy smartphone, smartwatch, and tablet, depending on which kind of devices the feature is built for.
