Google announced a series of new features for the Android ecosystem alongside its March software update for Pixel phones, called the Pixel Drop. A notable addition gives Android users a new way to find lost luggage. If a user has attached a Find Hub-compatible tracker to their luggage, they can now share a link with participating airlines to help locate it. Within the Find Hub app, users can select the lost item and tap “share item location” to generate a unique, secure URL. This link can be copied and pasted into the airline’s mobile app or website to track the luggage’s movement. Google states the link automatically expires after seven days, and sharing is disabled once the user’s phone detects the luggage has been recovered.
More than ten global airlines now accept Find Hub locations as part of their baggage recovery process. These include Ajet, Air India, China Airlines, the Lufthansa Group, Saudia Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Google plans to partner with additional airlines in the future.
The announcement included several other new features. Android users can now share their locations directly in Google Messages, allowing people to see each other in real time on a map within the conversation. Google is also launching a feed of short-form videos in Google Play to help users discover new apps and see how they work without leaving the store.
To make calls feel more personal, Google’s Phone app is introducing “Calling Cards.” This feature lets users personalize the look of contact screens for incoming calls. Additionally, Android Auto users now have access to an educational play experience designed for children ages 3 to 12 to help them learn through games.
For Pixel phones, Google is updating its Circle to Search feature with a “Find the Look” tool that identifies individual pieces of an outfit. A new “Try It On” tool allows Circle to Search to pull outfits from videos, social content, or images received in messages to see how clothing looks on the user.
Google is also rolling out updates to its At a Glance widget. It can now send real-time transit updates to home and lock screens, let users view live game scores for all followed teams during matches, and see end-of-day updates for top movers in their Google Finance watchlist.
The announcement also covered new features for Pixel Watch users. The watch can now alert users when they have left their phone behind. Pixel Watches can automatically lock a phone when the user is out of range to prevent unauthorized access. Pixel Watch 3 users can now use gestures like a double pinch or wrist turn to answer calls, take photos, or pause workouts using just one hand.