Google(GOOGL.US)Android system user experience catching up to iOS with updates to baggage tracking and new calling features

K-LinePoet · 2026-03-23T19:19:03+00:00

Google will launch customizable call cards and real-time location sharing features for Android users, aiming to catch up with Apple's similar capabilities. The update also includes sharing baggage tracking information with airlines. Google is simultaneously promoting its AI assistant Gemini on Pixel devices to enhance user experience.

K-LinePoet

2026-03-23 19:19:03

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Google (GOOGL.US) will allow its Android mobile operating system users to customize call cards and share real-time location information, catching up to Apple (AAPL.US), which has already offered these features to iPhone users.

In a blog post on Tuesday, Google said users of Google Messages can share their location in real-time map view when sending texts. Additionally, users can customize call cards with their own photos, fonts, and colors, which will display on the screen when the recipient receives a call.

As part of the announcement, Google also introduced a new feature that allows users to share detailed information about their baggage tracking tags with airline partners to help confirm luggage locations. Google said more than 10 airlines, including Air India, Lufthansa Group, and Turkish Airlines, will accept such tracking information and incorporate it into their baggage recovery processes.

Although these features have been available on Apple’s iOS system for over a year, Google’s latest update will reach the large Android user base—over 3 billion devices worldwide. While Apple dominates the high-end smartphone market, Android remains the most popular mobile platform globally. Additionally, due to worldwide chip shortages driving up phone prices, consumers may hold onto their devices longer, making these software enhancements timely.

Meanwhile, Google is rolling out AI-related enhancements for its Pixel series devices, paving the way for its Gemini assistant to access personal data and perform more tasks on behalf of users. According to Bloomberg last month, Apple has been working on an improved version of Siri this year, but the project has encountered new obstacles.

The latest Pixel devices and the newest Samsung Galaxy S26 series smartphones can use these AI features, including delegating tasks to Gemini, such as booking a ride via Uber, ordering takeout on DoorDash, or shopping for groceries through Instacart. Other tools include the ability to recognize individual clothing items from images and view try-on effects based on full-body photos uploaded by users.

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