Google is rolling out a bundle of updates Wednesday across Android and Pixel that aim to make sharing files and listening together feel more seamless.
The two headliners are a redesigned Quick Share that pares back taps and confusion, and a new Audio sharing feature that lets two people (or more) listen to the same thing from one phone on their own headphones. Beyond sharing, the update includes AI writing tools in Gboard, a revived Androidify with generative smarts and a Pixel Drop bringing theming, audio and on-wrist navigation to the Pixel Phone, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Watch and Wear OS devices.
Quick Share gets simpler to use
Quick Share, Android’s built-in way to send files, photos and links between nearby devices, gets a clean coat of paint and a simpler flow.
The new interface makes one choice impossible to miss — are you sending or receiving? A prominent toggle helps you switch modes without having to traverse through menus, and once a transfer starts, live progress indicators show what’s happening in real time.
It’s the kind of quality-of-life tweak you only notice when it isn’t there: fewer failed sends in a crowded room, clearer feedback when you’re helping a friend grab a video and a little less “did it go through?” small talk.
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Audio sharing uses LE Audio and QR codes to bring friends in.
Two listeners, one phone
Audio sharing is the other new update, turning one phone into a mini transmitter for group listening.
Using LE Audio, two people can pair their compatible Bluetooth headphones to a single phone and listen to a playlist, podcast or movie together without splitters or earbud swapping. There’s also a private broadcast option: start a session on your phone, generate a QR code and let nearby friends join the stream on their own compatible headphones.
Google says LE Audio capabilities are expanding to Sony headphones, and Auracast support is coming to compatible Pixel phones, adding to existing support on select Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi devices.
For long flights, gym sessions or a “you have to watch this” moment, the pitch is simple: synchronized sound, separate earbuds.
Other new features rolling out
Gboard adds AI writing tools to polish what you’ve already typed. You can adjust tone, proofread and fix errors, and get caption help. Meme generation and caption suggestions are built in, so you can draft and post without switching apps. The Emoji Keyboard adds a browse view for faster sticker hunting, plus new remix combos.
Androidify, the discontinued Android Bot avatar creator, returns with AI that can caption, generate and even animate your bot. Upload a selfie or type a prompt and Google’s models — Gemini 2.5 Flash, Imagen and Veo 3 — build a personalized Android figure.
On the Pixel side, the latest Drop focuses on personalization, audio smarts and glanceable navigation. Material 3 Expressive theming lands on the Pixel 6 (and newer phones) and Pixel Tablet. Pixel Buds Pro 2 get Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection. And Google Maps now auto-launches on Pixel Watch and other Wear OS devices when you start walking or biking navigation on your phone.