Google is adding nine new free offers starting today – the first lets AI text for you

Tech & Gadgets

GOOGLE has unveiled some impressive freebies – and you can start using some of them starting today.

The tech giant confirmed nine free upgrades coming to gadget users, including Android phone owners.

Android Auto has also received some major AI upgradesCredit: Google

Spotify fans have unlocked a brand new benefitCredit: Google

Google’s most important upgrade is the introduction of Twin to the default Android messaging app.

Now Google Messages users can take advantage of the AI chatbot when texting with friends or family.

The Gemini chatbot can compose messages for you, potentially saving you a lot of time.

“Starting this week, you can access Gemini directly in Google Messages on your Android phone in English in beta,” Google explains.

“Chat with Gemini to compose messages, brainstorm ideas, plan events, or just have a fun conversation without leaving the Messages app.”

There are eight more upgrades to look out for.

Other free Google upgrades

#1 – Android Auto

Google has upgraded Android Auto – Apple CarPlay’s rival – with new AI functions.

The in-car infotainment system can now summarize long texts or busy group chats.

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This can help you overtake while driving, with the ability to react or take an action based on AI suggestions.

For example, you can send a message, share your estimated time of arrival, or make a phone call with just one tap.

#2 AI-generated subtitles

It’s now possible to listen to AI-generated descriptions of photos you see online or in messages.

This is currently being rolled out as part of Android’s Lookout feature.

#3 Accessible place info

Google now lets you point your phone camera at your surroundings and use the TalkBack feature to hear the information out loud.

This can help people hear – rather than read – company opening hours, reviews or directions for places such as ATMs, restaurants or public transport stations.

#4 Feedback in Docs

It is now possible to annotate Google Docs with handwritten notes.

You can do this from an Android phone or tablet with a stylus – or even just your finger.

#5 Spotify upgrade

Google has also made some changes to the casting controls.

“The output switch on the Android home screen already makes it easy to switch between your devices while playing YouTube Music – whether it’s your phone speaker, headphones, smart speakers, or TV,” Google explains.

“Now you can do the same with Spotify. So when you play media on Spotify, the output switcher now shows Spotify Connect devices.”

#6 Health facts

The Fitbit app – which Google owns – has also been redesigned.

This now pulls data from your favorite wearables and apps, including AllTrails, Oura Ring, and MyFitnessPal.

“In the Fitbit app on your Android phone, go to the You tab to view data from connected apps next one to your Fitbit data,” Google said

“And on the Today tab you can see data such as exercises, stepscalories burned, floors climbed and distance traveled via Health Connect-compatible apps.”

#7 Tickets on your wrist

Google Wallet passes are now available on Wear OS smartwatches.

That means you can load a whole range of passes onto your wrist, including boarding passes, event tickets, gym memberships and loyalty cards.

You can also choose which passes to hide or show.

#8 Clear throughput

Public transportation directions are now available on Google Maps for Wear OS.

“Look up departure times directly on your smartwatch, then receive compass-driven navigation directions to your destination,” Google said.

“If you prefer your phone, you can also mirror directions to your watch and navigate hands-free.”