Google has unveiled a range of new features for Android, Chromebook and Wear OS that are aimed at enhancing productivity, connectivity and accessibility. The company’s announcement coincides with the start of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Among the new features is Fast Pair support for Chromebook, Google Keep shortcuts for smartwatches and phones, and new accessibility modes for Wear OS.
Fast Pair will enable Bluetooth headphones to connect to Chromebooks with a single tap. If a user has previously connected their headphones to their Android phone, their Chromebook will automatically connect to them. Google has not provided a specific release date for this feature but has confirmed that it will be available “soon”.
Another new feature, soon to be added to Google Meet, is noise cancellation for Android devices to filter out background sounds during meetings. Users can also increase the size of content on Chrome by up to 300%, while preserving the page layout. The update will be available soon for all users.
Google is releasing a widget for Google Keep that enables users to manage their notes and to-do lists from their home screen. The company is also adding productivity features that allow users to annotate PDFs and customize watch display modes in Wear OS. Additionally, there are new emoji combinations available in Emoji Kitchen, as well as new tap-to-pay animations in Google Wallet.
Google has not disclosed when these features will be available to users, but the company has confirmed that they will be rolling out “soon”.