QR codes for Quick Share, Expressive Captions and four other new features rolling out to Android users

Android update

Google has introduced several new features and improvements for Android to enhance user experience across accessibility, sharing, and productivity. These updates include QR codes for Quick Share, Expressive Captions, improved document scanning, advanced image descriptions, new emoji sticker combinations, and expanded capabilities for Gemini AI extensions.

With the update, Android users can now share media files, including photos, videos, and documents, using QR codes in Quick Share. The feature enables secure file transfers without the need for adding contacts, verifying devices, or altering sharing settings. To use it, users can simply scan the QR code shown by the sender to start receiving the files via Quick Share.

Apart from this, the update also introduces new Expressive Captions. It adds more contextual details such as volume, tone and specific sounds to the captions. This makes it more initiative and user-friendly, especially for physically challenged people. Users will see annotations like [whispering], [cheers and applause], or [groaning] across apps including streaming, social media, and video messaging.

Image Q&A in the Lookout app now utilises the Gemini 1.5 Pro model to provide richer image descriptions. Users can upload or take photos and hear the descriptions read aloud. They can also ask follow-up questions for further clarity, improving accessibility for blind and low-vision communities.

Android is also getting an updated Emoji Kitchen in Gboard. This introduces new sticker combinations, including themed options like pizza emojis. Additionally, Gboard’s glide typing now features the Clearflow keyboard for enhanced speed and accuracy.

Google Drive has introduced auto-enhancements for document scanning, optimising contrast, white balance, and clarity. This feature allows users to create high-quality digital versions of receipts, ID cards, and documents without manual adjustments.

Gemini AI now integrates with more apps, offering functionalities like playing music on Spotify, making calls, sending messages, and setting alarms. Upcoming features include controlling smart home devices linked to a Google Account and accessing location details via Google Maps.