Your Android, Your Rules: Google Rolls Out 6 New Features Focused On Personalisation & Convenience
With these six new features, Android is going all in on customisation, convenience, and seamless syncing.
Android is getting smarter — and more you. Google has rolled out six fresh features that bring a new level of personalisation to your Android devices, from smarter group chats to smoother public transit payments via smartwatch. Whether you're editing photos or managing smart home gadgets, Android wants every tap to feel more intuitive, more useful.
Here’s a look at what’s coming soon to your Android device:
Group Chats Just Got More You
Google Messages is stepping up the group chat game. Android users will soon be able to customise group conversations by assigning them unique icons and names — a small but delightful change for those juggling multiple RCS chats. You’ll also be able to check which friends have RCS enabled and choose how long you want to mute notifications in a specific group thread.
“Set up a custom icon for your RCS group chat and give it a unique name so it stands out from the rest,” the company shared.
This update makes it easier to personalise your digital hangouts, bringing a touch of order — and flair — to your social life.
AI-Powered Photo Editing Made Simple
Google Photos is also getting a boost, thanks to a redesigned image editor. Packed with AI smarts, the new editor helps you tweak your shots with a tap, a circle, or a brush — depending on what you're trying to fix. Tools like Reimagine, which lets you describe the changes you want to see, and Auto Frame, which helps perfect your crop, are designed to make photo editing intuitive even for beginners.
“New AI-powered suggestions help you elevate photos in a single tap and get the right tools the moment you need them,” Google noted.
Your Smart Home, Your Way
The updated Google Home app is introducing device-specific shortcuts so you can control your home more easily. Whether you want to pin your kitchen speaker controls to your phone or monitor your security camera from your Google TV, the new setup ensures your favourite controls are just where you need them.
“You can pin your security cameras to your Google TV, your kitchen speaker to your Android phone and your thermostat to your Wear OS smartwatch,” the announcement added.
This brings consistency across all your devices, turning your smart home into a truly seamless experience.
Safety Features That Flex with You
The Personal Safety app now lets you extend your Safety Check time on the fly. Ideal for joggers, solo travellers, or anyone exploring unfamiliar territory, the feature is designed to alert emergency contacts if you don’t check in. But now, a spontaneous smoothie stop won’t throw things off — just extend the check-in time with a tap.
“Now, if you decide to stop for a smoothie in the middle of your run, you can easily extend the check-in time…instead of creating a whole new Safety Check,” Google said.
Chat Loud and Proud with Emoji Kitchen
Gboard's Emoji Kitchen is back with quirky new sticker combos to help you express everything from joy to sass with a single image. Think pointing pigs or grateful carrots — because nothing says "thanks" like 🥕 + 🙏.
“From thankful carrots 🙏 + 🥕 to pointing pigs 🫵 + 🐷, remix your favourite emoji and share them with friends as stickers,” the release stated.
Tap In, Even When Wallet’s Tucked Away
For frequent commuters, Google has a welcome update — you can now use city transit cards via your Wear OS smartwatch without opening Google Wallet. For credit or debit card users, a quick settings toggle activates this feature.
“Riding public transit is now smoother than ever when you pay from your Wear OS smartwatch,” Google said.
With these six new features, Android is going all in on customisation, convenience, and seamless syncing. Whether you’re chatting with friends, snapping photos, or hopping on a bus, your device is evolving to meet you where you are — and how you live.
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