Google announces new multi-device features for Android ecosystem at I/O 2022 – Times of India

Google’s biggest event of the year I/O 2022 started today virtually. Google I/O is the company’s annual developers conference held annually. The event has traditionally been a software event where Google showcases new features coming to its mobile OS Android; wearables OS WearOS; search and more.
As widely expected, at I/O 2022, Google showcased the next versions of its Android OS, the Android 13 and some new hardware. The company also gave a peek into its multi-device future vision, where while the phone is still the most popular form of computing, people are adding new connected technologies to their lives like TVs, cars, watches and more. The company said that it is “introducing new ways to get more done. Whether it’s your phone or your other devices, our updates help them all work better together.” Here are some of the big features Google is bringing to your Android devices this year.
Google updates RCS with high-quality images, type indicators and more
Google’s Rich Communication Standard, aka RCS, is getting an update. Now users will be able to send high-quality pictures through the Google Message app without any charges. Further, it is introducing type indicators, and users won’t need an active mobile connection to send a message any more as RCS will soon support “message over WiFi.”
Google says that it is working together with carriers and manufacturers to bring RCS to more users. Later this year, Google will be adding end-to-end encryption to group conversations in the open beta update of the Google Messages app.
Google Wallet comes to Android and WearOS

Amidst the wake of the pandemic, different digital wallet apps introduced many new features including digital car keys and vaccination certificates on Android smartphones. Now, Google is bringing its own wallet app dubbed Google Wallet app to Android and WearOS devices.
Google is partnering up with several states across the US, enabling users to save their digital IDs and driving license in Google Wallet. It will also add the option to save and access hotel key cards and office badges on Google Wallet. Users will be able to save their payment cards, vaccine certificates, boarding passes and more.
The company is also improving the integration between the Wallet and other Google apps. Google says that Google Maps will show you the saved transit card on the screen as you search for directions so that you can easily top it up if the balance is running low.
Early Earthquake Warnings to be made available in more high-risk areas
Google will be introducing the Early Earthquake Warnings in more earthquake-prone regions to help people residing in these areas. Furthermore, it will be working with wearable manufacturers to bring Emergency SOS to WearOS watches this year.
Samsung Galaxy Watch to get Google Assistant soon; More apps coming to WearOS
Google announced its unified version of WearOS with Samsung at Google I/O last year. The tie-up is said to be a huge success, as per Google there are now three times more active WearOS users.
Buoyed by the success, Google is betting big on the WearOS. First, expect more WearOS powered smartwatches to come this year. Second, Google Assistant is soon coming to the Galaxy Watch series, starting with the Watch 4 lineup. Three, more native apps will be made available for WearOS watches this year, including apps from SoundCloud and Deezer.
Android apps to get more tablet friendly

In the coming weeks, Google will be updating its apps such as YouTube Music, Google Maps and more to improve the experience of tablet users. Facebook, TikTok and Zoom too will be updating their apps to take advantage of the extra space on the tablet. Searching for the tablet-optimized apps on Google Play Store is also set to become easier than before.
Chromecast built-in coming to more partners and devices
Google is working to bring the Chromecast built-in to Chromebooks, and AndroidAuto-enabled devices. Soon, users will be able to play audio or video from their smartphones to other devices, even if they are on the move.

Now using Copy and Paste, users will be able to copy a URL or picture from their phone and paste it onto their tablet. And, it will become easier to set up and pair devices with Fast Pair including Matter devices.