Google will soon offer an easy way to share files between your own Android devices

Google has announced a series of Android updates that should make phones and tablets more useful for many people. One of the most notable changes is Nearby Sharing, Google's version of Apple's AirDrop, which should make it easier to transfer files between your own Android devices. After enabling the auto-sharing feature, your Android devices will automatically accept files from each other, even if the screen is off. So you may soon no longer need to email a file from your phone to your tablet or Chromebook. The car-sharing option should be available in the coming weeks.

It's unclear when you'll be able to experience some of the other recently announced features, which include more accessibility settings. Android has a feature called sound notifications designed to help deaf and hard of hearing people. When the feature is enabled, it can listen for sounds such as fire alarms, door knocks, and running water, and alert the user with a visual notification or vibration on a phone or watch. Soon, users will be able to add custom sounds to their alert library. They will be able to record sound from household appliances, etc., and receive notifications when their device hears that sound again.

I

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here, then reload the page to see it.

Google TV now offers a selection of movies with audio descriptions. You can find them through Google Assistant by saying "Search audio description movies". Additionally, Google is adding a multi-pinning option to Meet video calls. This will allow users to pin feeds from, for example, the speaker and a sign language interpreter, or perhaps a friend, to see their reaction to what is being said a bit more clearly .

SharePlay-like options are also coming to Meet. You will be able to watch YouTube videos and play games with up to 100 friends and family members simultaneously. Google says this feature is rolling out to Android phones and tablets.

In addition to these changes, you can expect updated Drive and Keep widgets, more Emoji Kitchen mashups on Gboard, and a way to insert more emojis into your messages with just a tap (or, in other words, "emojify" anything you retype). On Wear OS devices there will be a new Keep tile - with the ability to dictate a note or checklist - while Snapchat's Bitmoji arrives to watch faces.

All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices correct at time of publication.