6 new Android features: text messaging programming, dark mode on Google Maps and more

Google has just announced that it is releasing updates for six different Android apps, from TalkBack screen reader for Android Auto. Updates add useful new features, such as the ability to schedule when a text message will be sent in the Messaging application. Google Maps is also getting an update of its own that adds a true dark mode to the entire app, not just when you’re using navigation.

There is also an update to the Google password auto-fill tool that will inform you if your passwords have been leaked and that it’s time to change it.

Keep in mind that these are continuous updates. This means that you may not have access to them right away. The best advice I have is to keep checking for app updates on the Play Store.

Below, I’ll show you the new features and how to use them.

Password verification now works on Android apps

If you use Google Password Manager to automatically fill in your usernames and passwords in Chrome or Android apps, this update is for you. Google will now check all of your login credentials to see if they were leaked or exposed in a hack. If it finds your information, a prompt will tell you that you need to change your password.

The new password verification tool is being released for Android devices running Android 9 or higher. You can verify that you are using Google’s autocomplete service by opening the settings application, go to System > Languages ​​and input > Advanced and touch Autocomplete Service. If that path doesn’t take you to the right place, since each Android phone is a little different, you can use the search tool in the Settings app to search Automatic filling. (For example, on the Galaxy S21 Ultra the configuration is below General Administration in the settings app.)

After navigating to the Autocomplete section, you’ll want to make sure Google is selected.

If you don’t use Google’s autocomplete tool, start saving your credentials when prompted. If you have been using it, keep using it as before. The tool will let you know when it finds out that your information has leaked – you don’t need to do anything special to trigger it.

Dark mode comes to Google Maps

For fans of dark mode on Android apps, you’ll want to keep checking the Play Store for an update to Google Maps.

Google is finally adding a true dark mode to the entire application. Huzzah! Before the most recent update, Google Maps only offered a dark mode when you were actively using navigation mode. It was better than nothing, of course, but it was not ideal.

Once Google Maps is updated on your Android phone or tablet, you can activate dark mode all the time by visiting settings > Theme and then select Always on the dark theme.

Schedule a text message

If you don’t already use Google Messaging as your default text messaging app, this can finally get you to make the change. Google is launching an update that adds the option to schedule when a message is sent. Scheduling messages is especially useful if you don’t want to disturb someone at the wrong time because you’re in a different time zone or because you know you’re busy at work. Or you can use it to schedule plans to cancel messages that you regret having done.

Once your Messaging app receives the latest update, you can start writing a message as you always do, but instead of tapping the send button – keep it pressed. A menu will appear, asking when you want it to be sent. It’s as easy as that.

TalkBack is getting easier to use

Google’s TalkBack accessibility feature is getting a major update to help blind or low vision users navigate and use their Android devices. There are new gestures, navigation options, spoken feedback and menus.

We have more information about the TalkBack update here. If you want to check for yourself, be sure to check for updates to apps and services on the Play Store.

But wait, there’s more

Google is also adding new features to Android Auto and Google Assistant. These are relatively small updates, but it’s worth noting.

Android Auto users are getting set custom wallpapers that are displayed on the vehicle screen. Google is also adding voice-activated games that its passengers can play during long trips. One of the games that Google mentions is Jeopardy, which is always successful. Finally, Google is adding shortcuts to the Android Auto launch screen that will make it easier to check the weather or quickly access contacts for messages and calls.

Google Assistant is getting better when you use voice commands to interact with the digital assistant when your screen is off and your device is locked. Google says the cards that show information are now larger, making it easier to read responses across the room. To ensure that the feature is working as expected, call Personal lock screen results on the Google Assistant settings page.

Google launches major feature launches like this every quarter. For example, here are some features added to the Google Assistant last year. If you prefer to look ahead, check the new features we’ve found so far in Android 12. We also have an execution list of hidden features on Android that we love.