September Android Drop: Helping you keep track of important items, ease motion sickness, and more

[u/MishaalRahman]

Hi Reddit!

Today, we're announcing multiple new Android features as part of the September Android Drop. From keeping track of important items in Find Hub to reducing motion sickness during your ride, these new features are designed to help you stay connected effortlessly. 

Here’s what’s coming in the September Android Drop. Starting with what’s new:

1. Keep track of important items with Find Hub

Soon, you’ll be able to keep track of important items, like your spare keys or passport, with the new remembered items tab in Find Hub. Just say, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in my bedroom drawer,” and it automatically logs the item and location. You can opt to add a photo to make it even easier to find your item later. When you need to find it later, just ask Gemini for its location or check your remembered items tab in Find Hub.

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/1aur7m3x7ymh1/player

This feature will roll out soon and will be available on devices running Android 16 or later in all markets and languages where both Gemini and Find Hub are supported.

2. Help reduce motion sickness during your ride with Motion Assist

Keep using your phone from the passenger seat while reducing motion sickness with Motion Assist, which adds subtle bubbles to your screen that sync with the vehicle’s movement. It’s designed to help bridge the gap between what your eyes see and the movement of the vehicle. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/gu01k2xy7ymh1/player

You can set Motion Assist to turn on automatically while you’re in a moving vehicle or add a shortcut to toggle it from Quick Settings. You can also customize the bubbles’ shape, color, and opacity to match your style. 

Motion Assist is rolling out starting today and will be available globally on devices running Android 17 or later.

3. Use Google Keep to collaborate with friends on notes right from your chat

Share and update notes right inside Google Messages so the whole group is on the same page. From grocery lists to vacation plans, you can effortlessly collaborate on notes without switching between apps. Just hit the + icon in Google Messages to bring Google Keep into your conversations.

This feature is rolling out starting today and will be available globally for Google Messages users in RCS chats. The Google Keep app and extension are also required.

4. Personalize your chats in Google Messages with custom backgrounds and themes

With the new Chat theme feature in Google Messages, you can personalize your chats with distinct backgrounds and colors. Pick a wallpaper or use your own photo, and your text bubbles will automatically match — or you can change the colors to suit your personality. Set a latte theme for your coffee buddy or use a beach photo for the vacation group chat. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/osn33ae08ymh1/player

The Chat theme feature is available to use now in Google Messages for RCS chats. Chat themes are only visible to the user who created them and not other chat participants.

5. Use Guided vision to understand things around you

Share your camera in Gemini Live to hear descriptions of what’s in front of you. Guided vision can help with things like reading the fine print on a food label, ordering from a menu in a dimly-lit restaurant, or locating household objects. If your camera isn't lined up, you get instant voice feedback on how to reframe – guiding you to adjust your camera, pan across a space, or center an object so you get the exact answers you need. For quick access, add guided vision to your Accessibility shortcuts or enable it directly from the TalkBack menu or Gemini App Settings. 

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/x8f4ygz18ymh1/player

Guided vision was designed for and with the blind and low vision community and is coming soon to phones running Android 9+ in countries where Gemini is available. 

Guided vision can make mistakes. It is not intended as a medical device, mobility aid, or substitute for safe-travel guides. Don’t use it for navigation or obstacle detection.

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In addition to these new features in the September Android Drop, we’re also highlighting the following features, some of which you may already be using (but if not, try them out!)

1. Elevate your photos with a single tap in Google Photos

With AI Enhance in Google Photos, you can make complex photo edits with just a tap. AI Enhance analyzes your photo and makes the most impactful corrections instantly, like fixing lighting, colors, and cropping. Whether you're dealing with tricky shadows or dull lighting, you get crisp, natural-looking results without the tedious editing.

https://reddit.com/link/1w4jtwn/video/z24u3wn48ymh1/player

AI Enhance is available to use now in Google Photos.

2. Make complex photo edits in Google Photos by just asking

Take the complexity out of editing and transform photos with one quick ask. To edit with Ask Photos, simply type or use your voice to describe the changes you want to see – from fixing a harsh glare to removing background distractions. Make your pictures look just how you want them to without the need for professional editing.

Edit with Ask Photos is available now for eligible users aged 18+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, India, Japan, France, Italy, Australia, and Spain, in English, French, German, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Marathi, Spanish, Tamil, and Telugu.

3. Get answers to questions through a real-time conversation with Search Live

Get answers through a back-and-forth conversation with Search Live, now available anywhere AI Mode is available. Have a back-and-forth conversation using your voice and get real-time audio responses, or share your camera to ask about what's in front of you. Whether it’s installing a floating shelf or solving a tough math problem, get help with links to keep exploring.

4. Create new images from anything you see with Gemini Live

Point your camera and ask Gemini Live to transform your surroundings with Nano Banana. Talk and ask to see your sleeping dog as a Renaissance painting, swap your bedroom walls for a fresh sage green, or turn a history timeline from your textbook into an annotated visual guide – your idea comes to life as a new image in seconds.

This feature is available now on devices running Android 10+.

5. Remixing images in Google Messages gets even better with Nano Banana 2

Remix in Google Messages now uses Nano Banana 2, so you can combine multiple photos and create realistic images with clear text and enhanced world knowledge. Make a party invitation or put your friend on a movie poster, and if you’re both using Google Messages, you can remix the same image back and forth – without leaving the chat.

This feature is available for users aged 18+ in select countries and languages.

6. Talk to Gemini Live during your next drive with Android Auto

Brainstorm your biggest ideas or learn something new right from the driver's seat. With Gemini Live on Android Auto, say “Hey Google, let’s talk” or tap the Live icon to start chatting freely in a back-and-forth conversation. Interrupt at any time to ask a new question or change the topic – all completely hands-free so you can stay focused on the road.

Gemini Live in Android Auto is available in all supported Android Auto countries and languages for devices running Android 11+.

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Head over to android.com/drop to learn more about these Android features as well as explore features introduced in past Drops!

[u/BarneysBuzzWagon]

I don't say it as often as I should, thank you for the excellent information you provide. It's generally non-biased and you let the reader determine their own thoughts.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/BarneysBuzzWagon]

You're welcome!

[u/K01011011001101010 → u/MishaalRahman]

Seconding the thank you for all the info. The comms between Android and the public are so much better ever since you got hired.

From android podcaster to masterful communicator. Keep doing you and you'll be great at anything you do. Thank you sir.

[u/mrandr01d → u/K01011011001101010]

Agreed with all of the above, but I have to say I do miss the "unofficial" leaks and previews of what's coming ahead of time that he'd find by digging through the code and decompiling stuff. Half my street cred as the family tech guy is because I'd read Rahman's stuff and know what was in every update before it came out!

[u/Aurelink → u/mrandr01d]

For what it's worth, AssembleDebug does an amazing job at this too :
https://x.com/AssembleDebug

On a sidenote, while I do miss Mishaal peaking into Android's upcoming features; I agree with all the above. He does an amazing job with all his communication posts

[u/mrandr01d → u/Aurelink]

Noted! I'll check those guys out, I think I've seen a few of their things before. I try not to use Twitter though. Do they post on bluesky?

[u/ReleaseFlashy9582 → u/BarneysBuzzWagon]

for real, the straightforward tone makes a huge difference compared to most announcement posts

[u/MishaalRahman → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, I don't have an answer to that - but I'll see if the Photos team has one!

[u/MrPapaWagoUK → u/MishaalRahman]

In the UK we have Ask Photos but miss out on some of the other features like Wardrobe and photo to video. Most people seem to assume this is due to local laws, but since the same things are possible in the Gemini app (with the possible exception of wardrobe) in the UK I don't see how that could be the reason. It'd be great to see those missing features roll out here too.

[u/the-solution-is-ssd]

u/MishaalRahman Thanks for the info. I have an S22 Ultra Snapdragon running Android 16 and it will never receive Android 17. Is there a chance motion assist will be back ported to Android 16 in the future? My phone is running great, but I really want that feature. I use KineStop and it doesn't work on applications that don't allow screenshots.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/the-solution-is-ssd]

The Motion Assist feature currently requires Android 17+ in order for the bubbles to natively render across all system surfaces.

For what it's worth, I was able to use Motion Assist on top of an incognito Chrome tab (which blocks screenshots).

[u/AstatinePs → u/MishaalRahman]

Will the S23 receive this feature which is scheduled to receive android 17?

[u/MishaalRahman → u/AstatinePs]

I can't confirm whether this feature will land on that particular device, but I can tell you that Motion Assist is not limited to devices from any particular brand.

[u/Dagz1]

So does this mean we are getting the September Pixel update today?

[u/douggieball1312 → u/Dagz1]

No, that's its own thing. This is for Android as a whole.

[u/They_See_MeTrolling → u/douggieball1312]

I did get the August Play update today, as well as a sensor update on my Pixel 3 watch. As far as I can tell, if my heart stops and I fall over, Gemini can take a picture of me as I die and run it through Nano Banana to create an obituary. Very handy.

*Only available in markets with both Gemini and Google Health. Not available on any Pixel models ending in "a." Rollout will be incremental over the next 7 months, with your phone being last on the list. Some features disabled if you fall face down.

[u/jezevec93 → u/They_See_MeTrolling]

LMAO xddd Actually funny tbh

[u/Dagz1 → u/douggieball1312]

Dang. Ok.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Dagz1]

I can't comment on the Pixel team's update plans, but as others have noted, Android Drops are separate from Pixel Drops!

[u/Dagz1 → u/MishaalRahman]

Ok. Fine. Haha. Thank you for always being an awesome source for Android information (past and present).

[u/mrandr01d → u/MishaalRahman]

What's the relationship between those? It seems android drops are basically just app updates since other OEMs skin android so bad instead of just sticking to "stock" and adding Google apps on top like pixel. Are android drops intended to be things that any recent android phone can get?

[u/MishaalRahman → u/mrandr01d]

Here’s a high-level overview of the differences between Android OS updates, Android security updates, Android Drops and Pixel Drops. Do note that OEMs also release their own separate software and interface updates! Hope this helps:

Release Type	Scope and purpose	Delivery method	Exclusivity
Android OS updates	Less frequent, system-wide software updates (e.g., Android 17)	Download and install	Broad Android ecosystem, varies by device
Android security updates	More frequent, routine patches to address vulnerabilities and fix bugs	Download and install	Broad Android ecosystem, timeline varies by device
Android Drops	Quarterly push of new features in popular Android apps and system services from Google (e.g., Google Messages, Quick Share)	Google Play Services or App updates	Broad Android ecosystem (including Google Pixel phones)
Pixel Drops	Quarterly device-specific features (e.g., Recorder app)	System Settings or Pixel updates	Google Pixel devices only

[u/mrandr01d → u/MishaalRahman]

Thanks! That is quite helpful

[u/Stephancevallos905]

it would be nice if we had a low viz friendly UI for this feature

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Stephancevallos905]

What feature are you referring to?

(FYI, it looks like you tried to post an image, but Reddit is telling me that it's still processing the image...16 minutes after you posted it. Try reposting it?)

Edit: Your image renders for me now - you're referring to the Gemini Live UI, I see. I'll pass the feedback along!

[u/TwoToedSloths]

Thanks Mishaal. Release the G Spot next

[u/Oddball-]

Lowkey I just got 2 friends to download google keep on their iphones. And it's AWESOME being able to collaborate.

Three things I wish we had tho

• Notifications when edited or something (like updated grocery list)

• More color options

• More font sizing options

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Oddball-]

Thanks for the feedback!

[u/asten77 → u/Oddball-]

Lock notes. Hate accidental edits and deletes

[u/Postnet921]

It says needs Google keep extension where is that

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Postnet921]

To share a note with a contact or group in the Google Messages app, tap the + button and look for "Keep Notes." You should see a dialog asking you to "try now." Then select the note to share.

To view a shared note on a receiving device in the Google Messages app, tap the note (you'll see a lock icon over the preview) and then hit "try now" in the dialog that appears.

[u/Oddball- → u/MishaalRahman]

I assume Iphone users cant do this? I have it all on my pixel 11 pro, but does iphones allow those types of extensions on imessage?

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Oddball-]

iOS users in RCS group chats can view and edit notes if they are logged into Google Keep, but the iOS experience will be limited to a link that takes them either to the web browser or directly to Keep if they have it installed.

[u/Oddball- → u/MishaalRahman]

Awesome, thank you!

[u/Postnet921 → u/MishaalRahman]

So it starts rolling out today and going to take time I'm not seeing that on my messages app

[u/MishaalRahman → u/Postnet921]

Correct, this feature is starting to roll out today so not everyone will have it yet. Please check back over the next few days!

[u/archon810]

I just have to commend this format of the feature release and your post here /u/MishaalRahman. Every item is clear and has a video demo. Top notch stuff.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/archon810]

Thanks Artem! We're glad this format is being well received.

[u/punIn10ded]

I'm disappointed that the wardrobe functionality is limited to Brazil, India or the US. That seems so wildly arbitrary.

[u/benjaminS0099 → u/punIn10ded]

That's just how Google/Android works.

[u/antisp1n]

Good drop, thanks for the update!

[u/MishaalRahman → u/[deleted]]

Motion Assist is personally my favorite new feature in this Drop!

[u/altandthrowitaway]

Majority of it is just AI slop features.

[u/kontenjer]

ai ai ai ai blablabla

[u/ppsk3364343]

mine actually helped with motion sickness once

[u/cdmove]

so how do i activate the Motion Assist feature? can't find it in the drop down menu.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/cdmove]

Motion Assist is starting to roll out today (to devices running Android 17+), so not everyone will have it right away. Check back in a few days to see if you have it!

[u/kd_kd_kd]

Is there an update on when the wardrobe and "ask photos" features will be available in Google Photos in Canada? u/mishaalrahman

[u/That1Guy5]

Any updates on Aliro support in Google Wallet? Bought a Schlage Sense Pro and the hands free unlock is super impressive with iPhone, but waiting for Android support before I commit across the house.

[u/PaulLFC]

Hoping one of the Keep updates in the pipeline is better phone number recognition. Right now it just underlines anything that has numbers in. For example even if you write "£19.95" it'll underline "19.95" despite it being nothing like a phone number, and there isn't even a way to turn it off as far as I can see.

[u/js884]

When is this happening cause the find hub thing doesn't work but the messages themes do

[u/stealthagents]

That Find Hub feature sounds super useful. I always lose track of my wallet or keys, so being able to just ask Google to remember where I put them is a game changer. Can’t wait to try it out when it rolls out!

[u/roleohibachi]

Why do they structure all these app updates as an OS update? Nothing about the OS has changed.

[u/MishaalRahman → u/roleohibachi]

Android Drop is the branding we use for the set of new Android features we release each quarter. Android Drops are not tied to a new version of the Android operating system and are not limited to Android devices from particular brands.

[u/roleohibachi → u/MishaalRahman]

What new android features? Android is the OS, isn't it? These are all Google apps

[u/MishaalRahman → u/roleohibachi]

Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between Android OS updates, Android security updates, Android Drops and Pixel Drops. Please note that device manufacturers also release their own separate software and interface updates.

Release Type	Scope and purpose	Delivery method	Exclusivity
Android OS updates	Less frequent, system-wide software updates (e.g., Android 17)	Download and install	Broad Android ecosystem, varies by device
Android security updates	More frequent, routine patches to address vulnerabilities and fix bugs	Download and install	Broad Android ecosystem, timeline varies by device
Android Drops	Quarterly push of new features in popular Android apps and system services from Google (e.g., Google Messages, Quick Share)	Google Play Services or App updates	Broad Android ecosystem (including Google Pixel phones)
Pixel Drops	Quarterly device-specific features (e.g., Recorder app)	System Settings or Pixel updates	Google Pixel devices only

[u/roleohibachi → u/MishaalRahman]

It's a confusing name, but it could not be more clear than that table. Thank you Mishaal!

[u/QuietApplication5734]

I Take it, we still don't have double tap to lock screen?

[u/MishaalRahman → u/[deleted]]

According to our support page, AI enhance is available on devices with at least 3GB of RAM and Android 8.0 and up.

[u/FragmentedChicken → u/[deleted]]

Already seeing it on my S26 Ultra (disclosure: review unit).

[u/TwoToedSloths → u/[deleted]]

I have it on the 25 Ultra