Google is launching four new features on Android aimed at enhancing user security and convenience. The Google Messages app will introduce an AI-powered scam detection feature that identifies suspicious texts and alerts users in real-time. The Find My Device app will now support live location sharing with trusted contacts for set durations. Chrome for Android will gain a price tracking feature that notifies users about product price drops using a new icon. Lastly, Android Auto users can access games like Candy Crush while parked, ensuring safety while providing entertainment options. These features will roll out in the coming weeks.
Google is set to launch four new features on Android aimed at enhancing user security against scam messages, enabling secure location sharing, tracking prices while browsing, and providing entertainment while vehicles are parked. The company states that the new scam detection feature within Google Messages utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize potential scam messages, offering users real-time warnings directly on their smartphones. These enhancements are anticipated to be available to Android users in the upcoming weeks.
Google Messages Gets Real-Time AI-Driven Scam Detection
The company reports that the updated AI-enhanced Scam Detection feature in Google Messages will detect text patterns commonly used by scammers, alerting users instantly on their devices. These alerts will display a message stating “Likely Scam,” alongside two options for users — Not a scam and Report & block.
Scam Detection on Google Messages
Photo Credit: Google
According to Google, this new Scam Detection feature aims to catch messages from fraudsters attempting to deceive users into giving up their money. The analysis of incoming messages to identify potential scams occurs on the device, ensuring user privacy is maintained, as stated by the company.
Find My Now Offers Live Location Sharing
The Find My Device application was initially created to help users track their smartphones, tablets, and other devices, but Google is now enhancing its capabilities to include live location sharing with trusted contacts. This feature is already available on Apple’s Find My app, which displays user locations on a map.
Google mentions that users can specify a time frame for sharing their live location with a contact — options include one hour, one day, a custom time, or no expiration. The Find My Devices app will also display the battery level of friends and family members who choose to share their live location.
Chrome for Android Introduces Price Tracking Functionality
Users browsing shopping websites on Chrome for Android will soon notice a new icon appearing in the browser’s address bar. While price tracking extensions exist for Chrome on macOS, Windows, and Linux, they have not been available for Android. Google has now integrated this functionality into its mobile version of Chrome.
Live Location Sharing on Android
Photo Credit: Google
According to the company, users will see a new icon in the Chrome address bar indicating when the price of a specific product has decreased. The browser will present users with a chart detailing the price history of the item over recent months. Additionally, users can click the Track button to get notifications when the price drops.
Google Expands Gaming Options for Android Auto
When a vehicle equipped with Android Auto is parked, users will be able to enjoy games to pass the time. Google plans to allow users to download games like Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing on their smartphones, making them accessible via Android Auto.
The company’s announcement indicates that these games will only be accessible when parked, ensuring that users are not distracted while driving. All of the mentioned features are expected to become available in the coming weeks. If previous rollouts are any indication, users should receive notifications about new features on their devices.
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