Android December 2022 update adds easier streaming and digital car key sharing

Physical car keys continue their trek towards obsoletion thanks to the recent Android December 2022 update – you can now share your digital car keys with someone else using a compatible device. Plus, there are plenty of other great additional features.

Android digital car key has been around for a little while now on select devices running Android 12 and above, including Google Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S21 phones. As the name suggests, you can use your phone to lock, open and start a paired vehicle, reducing the number of items you need to remember every day. Unfortunately, not many car manufacturers support the technology yet, with BMW the first to get behind it.

However, if you happen to be a BMW owner – or have a compatible car – you’re in luck! Through your Android device’s wallet app, you can share your key with another person. Needless to say, you should only do this with someone you trust, like a family member. Once shared, a one-time activation may be required, like having the actual key present, or an access code. Plus, you can revoke access if required.

Other Android December 2022 update features

Aside from digital car key sharing, there’s a new Reading mode on Android that improves accessibility. Helpful for people who are blind, low vision or dyslexic, it adds customizable display options to help make reading easier. Reading mode is customisable, too, letting you tweak contrast, font type and size. Plus, a text-to-speech function has speed control options so you can fine-tune your experience.

Another addition is the ability to cast content directly from the Google TV app on your Android phone to a compatible TV without needing extra hardware. This, combined with the new YouTube home screen search widget, further streamlines the process of watching what you want, when you want.

When you’re off the couch, Wear OS watches now lets you use Google Assistant to instantly start tracking a workout with the Adidas Running app. Other smartwatch updates include extra tiles to quickly see more information, and better notes visibility via the updated Keep app.

In time for the festive season, Google Photos now has more styles in the collage editor for sharing happy holiday snaps. Additionally, using Gboard, you can mash up new emoji in Emoji Kitchen to make fun combos and share cute messages with loved ones.

For the full rundown of the December 2022 Android update, check out the official announcement page. Make sure you keep up with security updates as well to keep your device safe.

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