Google Android Drop: 5 New Features Arrive, From Motion Sickness Relief to Finding Lost Items

Google has announced five new features as part of its September Android Drop, bringing new AI, accessibility, travel and messaging tools to Android users. The update includes a Gemini-powered feature that can remember where important belongings are stored, Motion Assist to help reduce motion sickness while travelling, and Guided Vision for spoken descriptions of the world around you.

Google is also adding collaborative Google Keep notes directly inside Google Messages and new chat themes that let users customize individual conversations with backgrounds and colors. While some features are rolling out now, others are coming soon and availability depends on the Android version, device and region.

1. Gemini Can Remember Where You Put Your Important Items

Misplaced your passport, spare keys or another important item? Google is adding a new “Remembered items” capability to Find Hub. Users can ask Gemini to remember where they have stored an item, and can optionally attach a photo of the location.

Later, users can ask Gemini where the item was placed or check the Remembered items section in Find Hub. Google says the feature will be available on Android 16 and later in countries where Gemini and Find Hub are supported.

2. Motion Assist Aims to Reduce Motion Sickness

Looking at a phone screen while travelling can cause motion sickness for some people. Google’s new Motion Assist feature is designed to help reduce that discomfort by displaying subtle bubbles over the screen that move according to the vehicle’s motion.

Users can enable Motion Assist automatically during rides or add it to Quick Settings. The bubble shape, color and opacity can also be customized. Google says the feature is available for phones running Android 17.

3. Guided Vision Uses Gemini to Describe Your Surroundings

Guided Vision brings AI-powered visual assistance to Gemini Live. By sharing the camera feed, users can hear descriptions of objects and surroundings, read small print or get help identifying things in situations such as a dimly lit restaurant.

The feature was designed with blind and low-vision communities in mind. If the camera is not positioned correctly, voice feedback can guide users to reframe the shot, pan across an area or center an object. Google says Guided Vision is coming soon to Android 9 and later in supported Gemini markets.

4. Google Keep Comes Directly to Google Messages

Planning a trip or creating a grocery list with friends no longer requires constantly switching between apps. Google is integrating Google Keep into Messages so users can create and share notes directly from a conversation.

Everyone in the chat can view, edit and add to the shared note or list. Google says the rollout of this feature has started in Google Messages.

5. Customize Every Google Messages Chat

Google is also making conversations more personalized with Chat themes. Users can give individual chats their own backgrounds and colors, including by selecting a personal photo. The text-bubble colors can automatically match the selected image, while users can also customize the colors themselves.

Google says Chat themes are available now in Google Messages.

Android September Update: What to Know

The September Android Drop combines AI-powered assistance, accessibility features and messaging upgrades in one update. However, not every feature will reach every Android phone at the same time. Availability varies according to Android version, device, region and whether Google services such as Gemini and Find Hub are supported.