Alphabet (GOOGL.US) is enabling users of its Android mobile operating system to set custom call screens and share real-time location information, catching up to features Apple (AAPL.US) has offered iPhone users for over a year. In a blog post on Tuesday, Alphabet announced that Google Messages users can share their location in a live map view while texting. Additionally, users can personalize call screens with their own photos, fonts, and colors, which will display on the recipient's device during an incoming call. As part of the update, Alphabet introduced a new feature allowing users to share baggage tracking tag details with partner airlines to help locate luggage. The company stated that over ten airlines, including Air India, Lufthansa Group, and Turkish Airlines, will accept this tracking information and integrate it into their baggage recovery processes. While Apple's iOS has had these capabilities for more than a year, Alphabet's latest feature updates will reach Android's vast user base—powering more than 3 billion devices globally. Although Apple leads the premium smartphone market, Android remains the world's most popular mobile platform. These software enhancements arrive as consumers may hold onto devices longer due to rising smartphone prices driven by the global chip shortage. Concurrently, Alphabet is rolling out AI-related enhancements for its Pixel devices, paving the way for its Gemini assistant to access personal data and perform more tasks on behalf of users. According to a Bloomberg report last month, Apple has been working on an improved version of its Siri virtual assistant this year, but the effort has encountered new obstacles. These AI features, including delegating tasks to Gemini such as booking rides with Uber, ordering food via DoorDash, or purchasing groceries through Instacart, are available on the latest Pixel devices and the newest Samsung Galaxy S26 series smartphones. Other tools include the ability to identify individual clothing items from images and visualize how they would look when worn based on a full-body photo uploaded by the user.
Comments