Android smartphones will begin receiving new features in September, according to a report by Android Authority.
The outlet outlined the most significant new additions accompanying the September Android operating system (OS) update. Many of these are linked to the Gemini AI model. For instance, a new “Find Hub” feature will allow users to create a note containing a photo and ask the AI to set a reminder for it.
Additionally, Google Messages—Android’s built-in messaging app—will integrate with Google Keep, enabling users to incorporate their notes directly into the chat app. The OS will also introduce visual capabilities for Gemini Live: users will be able to activate their camera and converse with the AI, which will be able to “see” the surrounding environment.
New themes are also coming to Google Messages. “Users can customize chat themes within the app to personalize the look of their conversations,” the report noted.
Finally, Android smartphones will introduce a “Motion Assist” feature. Designed to alleviate motion sickness, it displays visual motion cues on the screen while the vehicle is in motion.
Android Authority noted that while these new features are set for a September rollout, Google actually began deploying them to devices running Android 17 as early as August.
In late August, MakeUseOf reported that disabling certain Google features on Android smartphones could extend the device’s lifespan; they specifically cited “Now Playing” and “Hey Google” as examples.
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