google: Google introduces new Android features that include digital car keys for Galaxy S21 and Pixel 6 phones – Times of India

Google has announced multiple new Android features which will either be coming out soon or have already been made available. These Android features include the digital car key functionality which was demonstrated by Google on Android 12 at Google I/O in May 2021. The company mentioned in that event that this feature will be released for selected Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices in 2021. As promised, Google released this feature for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and the Samsung Galaxy S21. Some other new Android Auto features are coming from the company as well as some other features were also released with the same.
Digital Car Key and other Android auto feature
The tech giant has shared new information about the newly released Digital Car Key feature on a few devices and also mentioned that it is available only in a handful of countries now. This functionality is currently available with only BMW vehicles. Google is working on making this feature compatible with for cars from other car-makers which is expected to be added soon.
This Digital Car Key feature from Google is a bit different from the one that is available for Samsung devices. Although, both the features mainly do the same job but the one from Samsung is only available for Samsung devices only which includes — Galaxy S21 Plus, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The Samsung Digital Key is only compatible with the Genesis GV60 EV for now.
Other newly released Android features
Google has also introduced a Family Bell feature for the holidays, that will alert you and your family during important moments throughout the day. The alerts will be sent through phone, home speaker or smart display. You can also set “bells” on your own devices other than the shared “bells” to stay on top of individual goals. Suggested bells also include a family movie night, watering a tree or volunteering to support a local cause.
Three Google apps will also get new widgets. The new Google Play Books widget will let you keep track of audiobook progress and access your full library. The new YouTube Music widget will put recently played tracks and playback controls on your Home screen. The new Google Photos People & Pets widget will allow you to select a few faces with the apt frame and will also decorate your Home screen with your nearest and dearest.
Auto-resetting of app permissions that you haven’t used for some time will also be made available next month on Android 6.0 and above via the Google Play Services. This feature will turn off runtime permissions automatically, which will let apps to take actions or access data on your behalf, once they are not used in some time. The permissions of each app will turn back on again whenever you open each app.