Google is rolling out exciting new Android features designed to enhance your personalized experience across devices. From customized icons in group chats to tailored smart home shortcuts, these features make life easier, whether you’re at home or on the go. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new in Android for 2025.
Give Your Group Chats a Personal Touch
Starting soon, you’ll be able to personalize your group chats in Google Messages. Set custom icons for your RCS group chats, giving each conversation a unique identity. You’ll also be able to rename chats and see which contacts have RCS enabled. In addition, you can mute specific group chats for a duration that suits you, keeping notifications under control.
Bring Out the Magic in Every Photo with the New Image Editor
Editing your photos in Google Photos is now easier and smarter with a redesigned image editor. New AI-powered suggestions help enhance your images with just one tap, offering the right tools when you need them most. With Reimagine, you can describe the changes you want to make, and AI brings them to life. Plus, Auto Frame helps you expand your scene or perfect your crop, ensuring every photo is stunning.
Customize Google Home Favorites Across Devices
You can now manage your smart home more easily with Google Home. The app allows you to set up device-specific shortcuts for your Favorites, such as pinning your security cameras to your Google TV or your thermostat to your Wear OS smartwatch. This customization ensures that managing your smart home products is faster and more convenient across all your devices.
Add Extra Time to Safety Check for Peace of Mind
For those moments when you’re out exercising or exploring solo, the Personal Safety app helps keep you safe by scheduling a check-in time. Now, you can extend this Safety Check if your plans change, such as making a stop in the middle of your run. Instead of starting a new check-in, simply extend the time with a tap on your phone or smartwatch, ensuring you stay safe without disrupting your outing.
Express Yourself Better with New Emoji Kitchen Stickers
Emoji Kitchen just got an upgrade with new combinations to make your chats more expressive. From pointing pigs 🫵🐷 to thankful carrots 🙏🥕, you can remix your favorite emojis and share them as stickers via Gboard. These fun combinations let you get creative and share emotions like never before.
Make Faster Public Transit Payments from Your Wear OS Watch
Paying for public transit is now more seamless than ever with Wear OS. You can tap your transit cards directly from your smartwatch, even if the Google Wallet app is closed. Just make sure to turn on the feature in your settings for using credit or debit cards. This makes public transportation payments quicker and more convenient.
