Google today announced a number of new features coming to all Android phones as part of its quarterly Android feature drop system. Like the Pixel feature drop idea, where Google will add a bunch of new features to its Pixel phone, these regularly published features should go to all Android phones.
For this June drop, Google is bringing new Gboard features for everyone, Google Play Points as a payment option at checkout, improvements to reduce background noise in the Sound Amplifier, and a new image mode in Lookout.
Here’s a breakdown of the new features you’ll soon be playing with:
- Gboard custom sticker: Previously exclusive to Pixel phones, Google has unveiled custom text stickers on Gboard for everyone. Now, when you type, you can turn that text into a custom sticker of your choice. All you have to do is start typing, then choose an emoji recommendation for those words and then you will see a new option to customize.
- Emoji is a sticker of summer and pride in the kitchen: Another update from Gboard emoji lands in the kitchen as a bunch of new summer and pride month-related stickers. You know we like emoji kitchens.
- Google Play Points for checkout: The Google Play Points Rewards program will soon begin offering in-app items as a payment option at checkout. You can cover the full cost of in-app items or split between points and your other payment methods.
- Sound amplifier improvement: Google is updating the sound amplifier to better reduce background noise and bring faster and more accurate sound. The new interface should be easier to see.
- New image mode of Google Lookout: Google Lookout is updating with a new image mode that can take an image and then tell a description of the image. Google is also improving the text, documents, food labels and Explore modes to make it more accurate. Lookout can now work offline as well.
All of these new features will roll out in the coming days and weeks. Just make sure you get the latest updates for each as they appear and the new features will eventually be there.