Before Android 17: Google distributes new features for older Android versions

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While Google is in the process of finalizing the major update to Android 17 and will release it “soon,” according to the company, users of older Android versions should not be left completely empty-handed. With “Android Drop,” the company is bringing new functions to many devices without a major system update.

From Android 12: Scam detection for calls

Google's Phone app will in the future warn against suspected scammers who impersonate your contacts. According to Google, the “Fake Call Detection” function should be able to check whether a call actually comes from a contact's device. If a scammer pretends to be calling from a trusted number, users will receive a warning in the future to end the call quickly.

According to Google, the function will be available worldwide and support devices from Android 12 and newer. We have summarized further details about the function in a separate article.

“Circle to Search” for older devices

Circle to Search, Google's smart search function that allows you to simply circle an object on the screen to search for it online, copy text, or translate it, is now also coming to older devices. In addition, the function also supports an extension announced very recently on these devices. For example, by circling a look on Instagram or TikTok, all parts can be found at once. Circle to Search is coming to devices with Android 14 and newer with Android Drop.

A function in Google Photos called Google Photos Wardrobe, which allows users to digitize their wardrobe and try it on virtually, is not yet intended for Europe. According to Google, the feature catalogs the clothing that users wear in their photos. The clothing is extracted and converted into images; users can combine the clothing items as they wish; “favorite looks” can be saved and shared with friends, according to Google. The feature will be available soon in the USA, India, and Brazil.

Expansion of AirDrop for 41 devices

Since the announcement of AirDrop support via Google's Quick Share in November 2025, more Android devices have already received support for convenient data exchange with Apple devices. As part of Android Drop, Google is expanding support in cooperation with smartphone manufacturers, but Google first announced the Airdrop expansion in the context of the Android Show in mid-May.

According to Google, over 40 devices now support the function; in the long term, further devices should receive an AirDrop connection. These models are currently included:

Samsung

• Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra
• Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Flip 7
• Galaxy Z Fold 7
• Galaxy Z Flip6
• Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Special Edition)
• Galaxy Z TriFold

Google

• Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, 10a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
• Pixel 8a

Xiaomi

• Xiaomi 17T Pro

OnePlus

• OnePlus 15

Oppo

• Oppo Find X9, X9 Pro, X9 Ultra, X9s
• Oppo Find N6

Vivo

• Vivo X300, X300 Pro, X300 Ultra

Honor

• Honor Magic V6

Coming soon

• Motorola Razr Fold 2026
• Oppo Find X8 Series
• Honor Magic 8 Pro

“Personal Safety” app for children

Part of the Drop is also a new safety function for children: in the “Personal Safety” app, children under 13 years of age get access to functions such as displaying their medical information and setting emergency contacts on their device's lock screen. They can also use it to activate accident detection, which automatically calls emergency services after an accident and notifies emergency contacts via SMS.

Teenage kids can also use the app's location functions. These include the safety check and real-time location sharing for emergency contacts. According to Google, the app is available worldwide.

Play Books and Emoji Kitchen

Further innovations are being introduced in Google Play Books and the Emoji Kitchen function of the Gboard keyboard app.

With the “Bring me up to date” feature, Play Books users receive a summary of what they have read so far. They can also “highlight text passages and ask questions to get more information about topics, context, or characters without leaving the page,” explains Google. The “Book Info” function will be rolled out in the Google Play Books app starting today and will initially be available for selected English-language titles.

Meanwhile, new combinations for Emoji Kitchen stickers are being added to the Gboard app. “If a simple pink heart isn't enough to express your feelings, you can combine emojis into something special. From cute little animals to sparkling bees 🐝 + 💍 – find the right combination for your mood and share it with your friends in Gboard,” says Google.

(afl)