For now, the dark web report is only available for most Google Accounts in the United States; however, access will also expand to more than 20 countries in the coming months.
Last month, Hackread.com reported that Google had started offering dark web monitoring for Gmail users in the United States. Now, the tech and search engine giant has announced the release of its latest Android feature drop, introducing several new enhancements and functionalities for Google-powered smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
Among the notable additions is the ability to search the dark web for Gmail addresses, expanded accessibility features for Google Books, and updates for Wear OS devices.
In the blog post detailing the feature drop, Google mentions that the dark web search feature, which enables users to scan for their Gmail address on the dark web and receive guidance on online protection, is now available for Google account holders in the United States.
The company also plans to expand this feature to include 20 more countries in the coming months, with the United Kingdom expected to be among them.
Younger readers using Google Books will benefit from a new reading practice feature. Books marked with the Practice badge will allow readers to hear the correct pronunciation of unusual words, enabling them to practice pronunciation effectively.
Google has also introduced three new home screen widgets for Android phones and tablets. These widgets provide personalized recommendations from Google TV, Google Finance, and Google News, enhancing the user experience by delivering relevant and tailored content.
The Spotify Wear OS app has received an update to incorporate the recently-launched Spotify DJ feature. This AI-powered function offers users a curated selection of streaming content along with a DJ who provides explanations and insights into the chosen songs or podcasts. Additionally, the app includes new tiles and watch face shortcuts for convenient access to Spotify on Wear OS devices.
In terms of Wear OS enhancements, users can now access Google Keep notes quickly through pinned lists. Furthermore, the Gboard keyboard app now offers new aquatic-themed emoji mashups, adding a touch of creativity and fun to text messaging.
While the Android feature drop delivers exciting updates, Google is also preparing for the anticipated release of Android 14 later this year. The company has been relatively quiet about the upcoming operating system, which is currently in beta, but it is expected to roll out to the public in August 2023.