During September 2026, Google launched five new features for Android phones as part of an update package focused on expanding the use of artificial intelligence in everyday tasks, improving accessibility tools and the phone experience while travelling, and adding new functions to Google Messages.
Gemini remembers where items are through Find Hub
The features are being rolled out gradually, so the timing of each release depends on the phone model, Android version and availability of Google services in the relevant country or region. One addition gives the Gemini assistant the ability to remember where users have placed their belongings, whether at home or elsewhere, even if the items are not fitted with tracking devices.
The function can be used to save the location of a passport or spare key, for example, instead of relying on memory or recording the location manually in a separate app. Users can ask Gemini to remember where an item is, after which its location is saved in Find Hub, with the option to add a photo to help identify it.
Motion Assist reduces motion sickness while travelling
When users later need an item, they can ask Gemini where it is or open a dedicated tab showing items whose locations have previously been saved. The feature is available on devices running Android 16 or later, in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are available. The package also includes Motion Assist, designed to help reduce motion sickness when using a phone inside a moving car.
The tool displays moving dots over the screen content, moving in sync with the vehicle to reduce the conflict between the motion detected by the eyes and the sensation of movement felt by the body. Motion Assist can be set to work automatically or added to the quick settings menu for activation when needed.
Guided Vision describes scenes through the phone camera
The tool also offers options to change the appearance and transparency of the dots, allowing users to adjust how they look on screen. This feature requires a phone running Android 17. As part of its accessibility tools, Google is expanding Gemini Live through Guided Vision, which uses the phone's camera to provide an audio description of what is in front of the user.
The feature was designed in collaboration with blind and partially sighted communities to provide direct assistance with text and surrounding objects. Guided Vision supports uses including reading small print on products, helping users view a menu in low light, and identifying some household tools and items.
If the camera is not capturing the scene appropriately, the feature provides audio guidance to reframe the image, move the phone or point the camera at a specific object. Google said Guided Vision will reach phones running Android 9 or later, provided Gemini is available in the relevant country.
Google warns against relying on Guided Vision for navigation and directions
The company also warned against using the feature for navigation or relying on it to detect obstacles, explaining that it may provide inaccurate information and is therefore an aid rather than a replacement for navigation and safety tools. Google has also added the ability to use Google Keep directly within Google Messages, allowing people in chats to create, review and edit notes and lists collaboratively without leaving the messaging app.
For example, users can prepare a shopping list or take notes related to a trip and share them with group members. After the list or note is shared, participants can view its contents, make changes and add new suggestions and ideas.
The rollout of Google Keep integration in Google Messages began during September, as part of an effort to make collaborative planning and chat-related tasks available within the app itself. Google Messages is also gaining a conversation theme feature that allows users to customise the visual appearance of each conversation. Users can choose a preset background or set a personal photo as the conversation background, as well as adjust the colours, while message bubbles automatically adapt to the selected design.
According to Google, this feature is now available for use in the messaging app. The five features are not expected to reach all Android phones at the same time, as some are tied to specific operating system versions, while the availability of others depends on Google services being offered in each country or region.
The company continues to distribute updates in stages, meaning the timing of the tools' appearance may vary from one device to another. The September package is part of Google's approach of adding functions to Android throughout the year rather than limiting changes to major system releases.
The new release combines the introduction of Gemini for information-saving and scene-understanding tasks, the development of assistance tools for use while moving, and expanded collaboration and customisation options within the messaging app.
