Google is going to tap your chat messages

Google will help you type chat messages. All this and more in the latest Android 12 update!

Since last week we have been inundated with new updates about Android 12. Today the company shares a few more improvements for Pixel phones. Including the Smart Compose tool.

To chat

We know this Smart Compose tool from Gmail and Docs, but it is now also available for chat apps. Via GBoard, the feature is available on Android Messages, Google Chat / Hangouts, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Verizon Messages, Line, Telegram and Slack. When the functionality is enabled and you start typing, you will receive all kinds of suggestions for completing the message. Google does this on the basis of machine learning. You can swipe the spacebar to accept the suggestion.

Recorder

This should make it easier to share audio files, so that people without Pixels can also read and listen. Recorder has the potential to be an easily accessible tool as it can be used to record audio clips and generate an animated transcript for sharing as an MP4.

Backgrounds

Google also has a new set of wallpapers for Pixel phones. This in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th. The backgrounds feature artwork by Spanish duo Cachetejack and focus on ‘the power and transformation of women’. Perhaps not equally interesting for everyone, but it is appreciated that Google does this at all.

Underwater camera

The company is also announcing a way to use the Pixel camera underwater by putting your phone in a Kraken case. Innovative! The case is also quite pricey, why would you want to buy it? The company says it actually made a native camera integration with this case that works via Bluetooth. It therefore provides clear images and also at a greater distance and / or under greater pressure. So you can dive deep with this case.

Finally, if you’re using a Pixel stand to charge your device, there will be a new bedtime screen with redesigned notifications to ‘help you fall asleep’.