Google has just released the October 2024 Play System update for Android devices to enhance security, reliability, and user experience. This update includes new features and fixes that make devices more efficient and user-friendly.

The fresh update brings an Instant Hotspot feature, which allows users to share their phone’s internet connection easily with other devices. Now, when your hotspot is available, you will receive a notification, and there will be a new status icon to show when you are connected.

Moreover, the update also includes new developer features for both Google and third-party app developers. If you are setting up a new smartwatch, you will notice some visual improvements in the setup screen, after this update

Furthermore, the Play Store now highlights more games that come with achievements in the search results and details pages on phones and PC.

Notably, these new features are being rolled out, not all users will get them at the same time. Some features might take months to become available to everyone.

Users can check for the update by going to Settings >> Security >> Google Play System Update. The update will be downloaded and installed automatically, without requiring a device restart.

Check the full changelog of the Google Play System October 2024 Update below.

WHAT’S NEW

Google Play services v24.39 (2024-10-07)

Device Connectivity

• [Phone] With instant hotspot, you’ll now see a notification when your hotspot is available and a new status icon once you’re connected.
• [Phone, Wear] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Device Connectivity related processes in their apps.

Utilities

• [Phone] New developer features for Google and third party app developers to support Utilities related processes in their apps.

Google Play Store v43.1 (2024-10-07)

• [Phone] When you set up your new watch, you’ll see some visual improvements in the device setup screen.
• [PC, Phone] You’ll now find more games with achievements on the Search results and Details pages.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE features AI Circle to Search powered by Google. Using this innovative feature, users of the Galaxy S24 FE smartphone can quickly and intuitively find information with just one simple gesture.

The Galaxy S24 FE 5G’s Circle to Search feature makes instant information searching on the internet easy. Just draw a circle around the desired object, and the smartphone will provide instant search results related to that item.

For instance, when visiting a new city, you can use it to identify landmarks. As you pass by a monument or building, circle the image on the S24 FE screen to view a complete description, including history, interesting facts, and much more.

If you’re at the mall and come across an interesting product, there’s no need to ask salespeople or search for tags anymore. With Circle to Search, point the camera at the object and circle it on the screen to quickly view info about the product.

While outdoors, you can use the feature to identify species of plants or animals. Take a picture of a flower or a curious animal, draw a circle around it, and Galaxy AI will quickly identify and provide detailed information about what you found.

Circle to Search from Google is available on several Samsung Galaxy devices. It redefines how people access information, making the act of searching for something on the internet simpler, more direct, and interactive.

WhatsApp for Android is rolling out a new beta update with version 2.24.21.29, which comes with a handy call link feature. This update makes it easier for users to start calls in both individual and group chats.

With this new feature, users can easily generate call links without needing to go to the Calls tab. The call link shortcut is now located in the chat attachment menu. Previously, creating call links was a bit complicated since users had to go to the Calls tab to generate them.

Now, to use the Call Links feature, simply tap the attachment icon while chatting. This makes starting a call faster and more convenient since you can do it right from your ongoing conversation.

Initially, the call link feature was only available for group chats, but now it works for individual chats as well. Many people might not have known they could create call links before, but this update makes it clear and easy to use.

This call link feature is currently available to some beta testers who have installed the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. As the update continues to roll out, more users can expect to see this feature in the coming days.

Android users get iOS-like contact syncing feature with fresh WhatsApp Beta