Key Points:
- Google Drive adds auto-generated captions for new videos.
- Google Phone app gets AI-powered anti-scam protection.
- Google Messages to introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS.
Google has announced several new features across its services, making them more user-friendly and secure. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming.
Google Drive Auto-Generated Captions: Google Drive now automatically generates captions for new videos you upload. This feature transcribes the audio in your videos, making it easier to search and organize your files. If you want captions for older videos, you’ll need to request them manually by right-clicking the file, selecting “Manage caption tracks,” and then “Generate automatic captions.” This feature improves not only productivity but also the search functionality within Drive.
The captioning process can take some time; for example, a 6-minute video may take about 10 minutes to transcribe. Despite this, the feature is expected to become faster and more efficient over time. You can download these captions in a .vtt file and edit them as needed. This makes it easy to correct any mistakes and ensures that captions are always available via the CC button in the video player.
Google Phone App AI Anti-Scam Protection: The Google Phone app, which is the default call management app for many Android phones, is getting a significant upgrade with AI-powered anti-scam protection. This new feature, powered by Gemini Nano AI, will help detect and block scam calls, in addition to the existing spam call detection capabilities.
The anti-scam feature, found in the Google Phone app’s latest beta version, can provide real-time alerts during calls if it detects patterns commonly associated with scams. Users will also have the option to manually report scam calls that slip through the detection system. The AI processing is done on the device, ensuring user privacy, although it may not be available on devices with less capable hardware. This feature, which was demonstrated at the recent Google I/O event, is expected to be an opt-in service.
Google Messages and End-to-End Encryption: Google Messages, the core SMS service with RCS (Rich Communication Services) support, is set to receive end-to-end encryption through a new standard called Messaging Layer Security (MLS). This move aims to improve the security and interoperability of messages across different platforms like Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
MLS, proposed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), will enable encrypted communication across various chat apps. Recent code strings found in the Messages app beta suggest that Google is working on incorporating MLS encryption into the RCS Universal Profile. This will make messages more secure and cross-compatible with services like Apple’s iMessage and Meta’s WhatsApp, provided these platforms adopt MLS as well.
Google Home and Nest Hello Support: The Google Home app is rolling out support for the Nest Hello doorbell (officially the Nest Doorbell wired, 1st gen) as part of its Public Preview program. This will allow users to manage their Nest Hello devices through the Google Home app and web interface, including features like updated camera history for easier navigation.
Additionally, Google is introducing garage door detection for the Nest Cam (indoor, wired, 2nd gen) and Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) when powered by a wire. Available in the US and Canada with a Nest Aware subscription, this feature will notify users if their garage door is left open for more than five minutes and provide open and close notifications. Leveraging advanced AI-powered image detection, this feature has been improved based on user feedback from its initial Public Preview launch.
These updates reflect Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience, security, and productivity across its services. As these features roll out, users can look forward to a more intuitive and secure interaction with Google’s ecosystem.
