What’s new in Android: Wear OS live updates, Gboard stickers, Android Auto light theme & more

Google just shared some exciting updates for Android users, covering everything from smartwatches to keyboards. Wear OS is getting “Live updates” that will let your smartwatch show things like sports scores, timers, or rideshare progress directly on the watch face. These updates come from Android’s live activities and glanceable experiences.

Google is also working on better support for connecting Android phones to larger screens. Android’s desktop mode will soon let apps run in resizable floating windows, and users will be able to launch different apps on the external screen and phone separately. Keyboard shortcuts and a new app drawer are also coming.

Android Auto is testing a light theme after a long wait. It brings a brighter look, making maps and controls easier to see during the day. Though not fully released yet, some users can try it out now. Google Photos will soon tell users when their photos are done backing up. A new “Backup complete” message will appear at the top of the Photos app, and it will even work offline if your backup recently finished.

Lastly, Gboard is getting a fun Pixel-exclusive feature called Pixel Studio. It lets users create custom stickers from their drawings. This tool is built into the Gboard emoji/sticker tab and is available on select Pixel devices with the latest version of the app. Together, these updates show Google is working hard to make Android smarter, more useful, and more fun across devices.