What you need to know
- For September's Android Drop, Google is introducing "Motion Assist," a feature to help users suffering from motion sickness while using their phone in a vehicle.
- On the Accessibility front, Gemini Live can help users find items or read fine print with "Guided Vision," delivering audio descriptions to guide users.
- Google states Motion Assist will rollout on Android 17 devices, while Guided Vision prepares a debut on Android 9 and newer.
It's September, and right on time is Google with the latest Android Drop. This month, the company is focusing on the accessibility and comfort of Android with two major updates.
Google's press release details a laundry list of new features for September; however, we're focusing on two items: Motion Sickness and Guided Vision. If you've ever tried using your phone while riding shotgun in a car, you might've put it down. Motion Sickness could affect anyone, but Google is rolling out "Motion Assist" this month to help. According to Google, Motion Assist "adds a subtle bubble overlay to your screen that moves with the vehicle."
The post states these bubbles will bridge the gap between "what your eyes see and the movement of your ride." Users can start it via the Quick Settings tile, or they can set it to automatically turn on when you're in a moving vehicle. These moving bubbles will appear on the sides of your phone to help reduce motion sickness. The automatic option states Motion Assist will activate if it detects the user in a car, bus, or train.
What's more, users will find a few customization options to make Motion Assist theirs.
A point to Accessibility
Google states Motion Assist will roll out on phones running Android 17.
The second major update is Guided Vision. The post states this feature relies on Gemini Live, meaning users will have to share their camera with the AI. After sharing, Gemini Live will provide audio descriptions of what's in front of you. Google says the AI can help with "reading fine print on a food label, ordering from a menu in a low-lit restaurant, or locating household objects." In one example, Gemini Live guides a user to a seasoning they're looking for on a shelf.
If the subject leaves your frame, Gemini Live will guide you back so it can help you appropriately.
Guided Vision is rolling out "soon" to phones running Android 9 or newer where Gemini is available. Once it arrives, users can add Guided Vision to their Accessibility shortcuts or launch it via the TalkBack menu.
Android Central's Take
I will always prefer updates like this over some "new thing" for AI. While one of these features relies on Google's AI, this is the direction I like seeing it go. A direction where it's incredibly helpful to people who may have trouble seeing or what have you. Tech should make life easier. We've got enough to worry about as it is.
