I've been using Android devices since 2007 and now have a rather large collection of Google devices in my home and office. The latest ecosystem updates will improve my efficiency with communications, safety, and daily commuting.
Also: Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free - what's new
While this week's focus has been on the release of Android 16, there are also six new features for Android that I am particularly excited about, and one of these features is compelling enough to make me want to mount the Pixel Watch 3 back on my wrist.
1. RCS group chat features
I'm thankful that RCS is common across Android and iOS messaging platforms, so the news that I can now customize the icon and name for my group chats will make it easier to confirm who I am communicating with.
Also: I changed 8 settings on my Pixel phone to dramatically improve the battery life
The new group chat features also include the ability to see who has RCS enabled, so that I can help them set that up. Notifications for specific group chats can also now be muted for a specific period of time.
2. Google Photos image editor
I appreciate the enhancements that Google has made over the years to the image editor found in Google Photos, but it still requires too many taps to perform the edits I want. Google will soon release an update that offers AI-powered suggestions, so that you can circle, brush, or tap to make edits.
Also: My 7 favorite new Android 16 features include delights for every Pixel user
Auto framing and reimagining are designed to get the photo you wanted, even if you messed up taking the shot in the first place.
3. Google Home favorites
The Google Pixel Watch still stands out as the only Google Wear OS smartwatch that supports live viewing of your Google cameras right on the watch, and this feature is one reason I prefer the Pixel Watch 3 over other Wear OS smartwatches that are more rugged and have longer battery life.
Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to give it an instant battery boost
With this latest update to Google Home, you can set up device-specific shortcuts for your favorites in the app. I can now have the most important security cameras appear at the top of the list for my watch, while my Pixel phone has the thermostat as the top favorite. This is the level of customization I expected, so it's nice to see it now available.
4. Safety Check timer
The Google Pixel Watch is optimized for runners, and the Pixel Watch 3 is one of the best watches for helping keep you safe. The Safety Check feature, available starting with the first Pixel Watch, provides the ability to set up a timer that prompts you to check in to confirm your safety, or your emergency contacts will be notified.
Also: I'm a diehard Pixel user, and the Android 16 design overhaul has me more excited than ever
Sometimes I extend my run or stop for a snack, and the timer ends before I am done with my run or hike. With the latest update to Safety Check, you can now extend that check-in time easily without having to set up a new Safety Check session.
5. Emoji Kitchen
It is often easier to express your current state with emojis than written text, and with this latest Android ecosystem update, you can remix your favorite emojis and share them as stickers in Gboard. If you message me, stay tuned for some interesting new emojis.
6. Transit on Wear OS
I commute to work on a train using our local Puget Sound ORCA transit card, and despite Seattle being a technology hub, ORCA is not supported by Apple Pay. However, the ORCA card is supported by Google Wallet, so instead of carrying around a physical card that can get lost or stolen with no tracking, you can use Google Wallet on your Android smartphone.
Also: Five iOS 26 features that I've been using on my Android phone for years
The latest Android update brings support for smoother payments from your Wear OS smartwatch. Simply tap your watch to the payment terminal, and even if Google Wallet is closed, your transit card transaction will be initiated. Note that this capability must first be enabled by you in the settings, so you cannot accidentally perform this transaction.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
English (US) ·