Google’s new Gemini utilities extension and Quick Share introduction: Everything You Need to Know
Google is rolling out two exciting updates for Android devices, enhancing how you control your phone and making device sharing more user-friendly. The new Gemini Utilities Extension aims to simplify phone management through a range of commands, while Quick Share will now become part of the initial setup on new Android devices, giving it much-needed visibility.
Gemini Utilities Extension: Transforming Device Control
Initially previewed at Google I/O 2024, the Gemini Utilities Extension offers a new way for users to manage their devices and apps using voice and text commands. By integrating with the Gemini AI assistant, the extension replaces Google Assistant’s role for certain tasks, providing a smoother, more native experience. Although it’s gradually rolling out in English, the extension is packed with versatile features. Here’s what it can do:
Key Features
- Set and Manage Alarms & Timers: Gemini can set, snooze, and delete alarms, or start a timer for activities, useful from the lock screen. It also supports third-party clock apps but has extended functionalities with Google’s Clock app.
- Quick Controls for Settings and Apps: You can turn on/off settings like Do Not Disturb, Battery Saver, Bluetooth, or the flashlight with a simple command. Checking battery level or phone volume is just as easy, while actions like power off and restart can also be voice-activated.
- Media and Camera Control: Whether it’s taking a timed selfie, capturing screenshots, or pausing and replaying media, Gemini handles it all through simple commands. It even lets you like or skip songs without navigating manually.
- Browse Screenshots: With commands, you can search and view specific screenshots within the Pixel Screenshots app, ideal for quick access to saved visuals.
- Perform Multiple Actions in One Prompt: Gemini can combine actions in a single command for faster multitasking, like “Turn media volume to 50%, reduce brightness to 30%, and turn on battery saver.”
Real-Life Scenarios
For instance, if you want to set a timer to focus on work and have Gemini play a song in the background, you can prompt it with “Set a 30-minute timer and play my work playlist.” This seamless interaction across commands demonstrates how Gemini simplifies everyday routines on Android.
Quick Share: A Better Way to Share Files on Android
Quick Share, also known as Nearby Share, has made it easy for users to wirelessly transfer files across devices like Android phones, ChromeOS tablets, and even Windows PCs. Google is now mandating that Android devices introduce Quick Share during the initial setup, following Pixel’s example.
Key Features
- Ease of Use: Quick Share allows sharing of photos, videos, files, and URLs to other nearby Android devices and compatible systems. It uses proximity-based detection, making file transfer straightforward without relying on email or apps.
- Privacy Options: When users are introduced to Quick Share during setup, they can adjust privacy settings, choosing visibility preferences for who can see their device nearby.
- Broader Accessibility: Quick Share now appears as a default setting on devices running Android 15 or higher, with OEMs incorporating a setup screen to guide users through the feature.
Aiming for Wider Adoption
This requirement for OEMs, or manufacturers of Android devices, reflects Google’s goal to make Quick Share as familiar and user-friendly as AirDrop on Apple devices. With new Android 15 devices featuring a Quick Share introduction page, awareness and usage of the feature are likely to grow.
What This Means for Android Users
Google’s rollouts with the Gemini Utilities Extension and Quick Share onboarding highlight a push toward integrated, user-friendly functionality across Android devices. Gemini’s versatile command control offers convenience that replaces manual phone actions, while Quick Share’s setup screen on Android 15 will ensure that new users don’t miss out on easy, secure file sharing.
These updates signal Google’s commitment to making Android a more cohesive, AI-driven ecosystem—one that anticipates your needs and enables smoother device interactions, whether for routine tasks or real-time sharing.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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