Unwrap the December drop: Google brings fresh updates for Android users

What you need to know

• Android introduces features enhancing emotional understanding in videos with real-time expressive captions.
• New emoji combos allow for unique sticker creations, adding creativity to conversations through Gboard.
• Google Messages improves privacy with tools for managing unwanted group chats and recognizing scam texts.

Google is kicking off the holiday season with a bang, bringing a host of updates for Android users. The company just announced that it will introduce new features to help users really focus on the things and people that matter most to them when they pick up their phones — cutting out the unnecessary noise. " See the emotion behind speech in captions, send new emoji combos, and let friends know when your call is important," the Keyword added.

To start, users will now be able to see and read the emotion behind each video they come across, whether it's a friend's video note or when scrolling through social media — with "Expressive Captions." The feature creates real-time captions, describing the intensity at which a person is speaking, along with ambient noises like [birds chirping], [cheers and applause], etc.

Google says Android will also pick up on the emotion of the speaker, like [joyful] or [sad], and will be shown in those square brackets right before the captions begin. Neat right? This is especially helpful when you have the volume turned down on your phone, while at work or during the night, and you still get a sense of the video you're watching.

Next up on the list is something that not only helps you express yourself better, but also gets those creative juices flowing. Google says, "Emoji Kitchen sticker combos" —will let you mash up two emojis to create your own unique sticker, like when you sign off for the year (⛄️ + ✒️) or send holiday well-wishes (🫂 + ⛄️). "Mix and match your favorites, and share them with friends in Gboard for more ways to express yourself," the press release notes.

Furthermore, users will be able to let friends and family know when their calls are urgent with "Call reason", so that you don't get hung up on. Especially handy, since most people prefer texting or are busy. Google says that this feature is still in beta, but will roll out soon. Users can flag a contact as “urgent," and it pops on on their incoming call screen. If they miss it, the “urgent” note stays in their call history, prompting them to get back to you quickly.

Google messages gets an added layer of privacy

This one is for those times when you get added to sketchy group chats, and they spam you with a million texts. Within Google Messages, you will now be able to easily identify and exit unwanted group chats, as Google will send you an alert that "shows key information about the group and tips to stay safe."

Additionally, with Circle to Search on Google Messages, users will be able to identify and get more information about scammy texts just by circling them. This significantly changes the way you interact with those package delivery scams or ones that force you to click on a link. AI Mode on Circle to Search will give you all the information you need, without directly interacting with the suspicious text.

And finally, Chrome on Android gets the much-needed "pin the tab" feature so that you don't lose out on your favorite blogs or recipes that you can keep going back to, just like you would on your desktop. "Pinned pages stay saved at the front of your browser, letting you pick up right where you left off," Google added.

The company says that these features will roll out to eligible Android devices starting today.