Google has announced a suite of new Android features and a March Pixel Drop update for Pixel phones, enhancing user experience across various aspects.
The update introduces a system for Android users to share location links from Find Hub-compatible tracker tags with airlines to help locate lost luggage. Users generate a secure, unique URL in the Find Hub app that expires after seven days and disables sharing when the luggage is back with the user. More than 10 global airlines, including Ajet, Air India, China Airlines, Lufthansa Group airlines, Saudia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, now accept Find Hub locations for baggage recovery. Google plans to partner with additional airlines in the future. The company stated that users can copy a link and paste it into an airline’s mobile app or website for tracking.
In addition to the luggage tracking feature, Android users can now share real-time locations directly in Google Messages. Google Play is launching a short-form video feed to help users discover new apps. Google’s Phone app is introducing “Calling Cards” to personalize contact screens for incoming calls.
Android Auto now offers an educational play experience for children ages 3 to 12. Circle to Search is updating with a “Find the Look” tool to identify individual pieces of an outfit. The feature is adding a “Try It On” tool to pull outfits from videos, social content, or messages to preview on the user.
The At a Glance widget is updating to send real-time transit updates, show live game scores, and display end-of-day Google Finance watchlist updates. Pixel Watch users get alerts when they leave their phone behind and can automatically lock their phone when out of range. Pixel Watch 3 users can use gestures like double pinch or wrist turn to answer calls, take photos, or pause workouts with one hand.
