As the driving force behind Android’s continuous development, Google regularly introduces new features and improvements through Android Feature Drops. These quarterly updates enhance the functionality of the Android OS and its related services, benefiting a wide range of devices. Keeping up with these feature drops is essential for users wanting to make the most out of their devices. Here, we detail the recent Android Feature Drop announcements directly from Google.
What is an Android feature drop?
Google releases bundles of new features for Android, related apps, and Google services every quarter. These bundles, known as Android Feature Drops, are designed to enhance the overall user experience across most Android devices. This program differs from Google’s Pixel Feature Drops, which issue quarterly feature updates exclusive to Pixel smartphones.
While Pixel Feature Drops focus solely on Pixel-only features, Android Feature Drops service most Android phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, Chromebooks, and Google apps. These drops are distinct from monthly security patches, larger Android OS updates, and Android version updates.
When is the next Android feature drop?
Google typically releases at least four Android Feature Drops annually, although the exact schedule can vary. Historically, we’ve seen feature drops in February, May, September, and November. This pattern suggests that users can expect a feature drop in each quarter of the year, even if the specific months vary slightly.
Recent Android feature drops
May 2024 Android feature drop
The latest Android Feature Drop, released in May 2024, includes several updates to Google’s apps, Android, and Wear OS watches. Here are the key changes:
- Edit Google Messages: Users can now edit messages within Google Messages. However, edits are limited to RCS messages and must be made within 15 minutes of sending. An “Edited” notice will alert all users in a chat.
- Instant Hotspot: This feature allows Android phone users to share their internet connection with a Chromebook or Android tablet seamlessly.
- Call Casting: Users can transfer video calls to a Chromebook or Android tablet by tapping the Cast button, supporting Google Meet and other unnamed apps.
- Google Home Favorites Widget: A new widget displaying favorite automations and controls can be pinned to the Android home screen.
- Digital Car Key Support Expansion: Select MINI, Mercedes-Benz, and Polestar models can be controlled via an Android phone.
- New Kitchen Emoji Combinations: Expanded emoji combinations allow users to create more unique expressions.
- Wear OS Updates:
- Google Home Favorites tile and complication.
- Google Wallet now supports PayPal for users in Germany and the US.
February 2024 Android feature drop
This feature drop introduced several AI-powered features for Android, Android Auto, and Google apps:
- Message Summaries on Android Auto: Long messages and group chats are summarized to minimize driver distractions, offering reply suggestions and one-tap replies.
- Google Lens Updates: Improved screen reader support with TalkBack for audible information and contextual information using the camera viewfinder.
- Lookout App Updates: AI descriptions of photos and images in messages and online media.
- Handwritten Markups in Google Docs: Users can annotate documents with various pen styles and colors.
- New Casting Controls for Spotify: The Android output switcher supports Spotify Connect.
- Gemini Support in Google Messages: Chat with Google’s AI assistant within the app.
- Fitbit and Health Connect App Integration: Display data from various apps within Fitbit.
- Wear OS Updates:
- Google Wallet passes.
- Transit directions on Google Maps.
November 2023 Android feature drop
This feature drop focused on Google Messages, accessibility features, and Google TV:
- Google Messages Updates:
- Photomojis for extracting subjects from photos and using them as reactions.
- Voice Moods with themed backgrounds for voice notes.
- Screen Effects for animated effects triggered by message content.
- Custom chat bubbles.
- Live Caption Updates: Broader language support and text-to-speech during phone calls.
- Image Descriptions via TalkBack: Audible descriptions of images.
- More Google TV Free Channels: Over 10 new channels added.
- Custom PIN for FIDO2 Security Keys.
- Wear OS Updates:
- Home status settings.
- Assistant Routines.
- Assistant At A Glance widget.
September 2023 Android feature drop
This feature drop introduced several core Android features:
- Unknown Tracker Alerts: Alerts for possible unknown Bluetooth trackers moving with the user.
- Android Earthquake Alert System: Safety information during earthquakes.
- Redesigned At A Glance Widget: Displays context-relevant information on the home screen.
- Lookout App Updates with Image Q&A: Generates audio or text descriptions of images.
- Google Wallet Passes Support: Store certificates, tickets, and store cards.
- YouTube Shorts Updates: New effects for short-form videos.
- Google Photos Memories: AI-powered feature organizing photos into albums.
- Gmail Translate: In-app email translation.
- Google Meet On-the-Go Interface: Distraction-free interface for audio-only calls.
- Google Home Fitness Data Integration: View Fitbit and Google Fit data within Routines.
Conclusion
Google’s Android Feature Drops continue to enhance the Android ecosystem, offering new functionalities and improvements that benefit a wide range of devices. By keeping up with these feature drops, users can ensure they are leveraging the latest advancements and capabilities offered by Android and Google services.
