Tech is supposed to solve problems, but the latest Android update targets some unusual issues. The solutions for forgetfulness and motion sickness involve very different levels of technology.

The Motion Assist feature (which builds on a similar approach in iPhones) is designed for passengers in vehicles, and absolutely not for drivers. It's based on the idea that motion sickness is caused by the brain being confused by different signals, for example from the vision signals from the eyes and the balance signals from the inner ear. With reading, the confusion can come from the fact that the user feels movement and sees their surroundings changing, but what they are looking at on a page or screen is static.

Floating Bubbles Solution

Google's solution is a grid of small translucent bubbles overlaid on the screen, moving in a speed and direction based on the phone's motion sensors. The idea is that the bubbles create an illusion of movement that cancels out the actual movement of the user.

It's not a guaranteed solution, however: Google notes "Results vary. Motion Assist may not work for all users, and a small percentage of users may experience worsened symptoms. Stop use if you feel discomfort." (Source: android.com)

Low-Tech AI Memory Aid

The other hyped update involves the Gemini AI platform, but it is remarkably low-tech in concept. It's an add-on for the existing Find Hub tool, which lets users share their location with friends, or track down a missing device. (Source: google.com)

The new feature simply means that the user can use a voice command to say that a particular item is in a specific place, for example close to where they are standing. Google gives the example of a passport in a bedroom drawer (with an option to take a photograph, for example to show which drawer it is in).

If the user later forgets the item's location, they can track it down in the Find Hub tool. In practice, it's nothing more complicated than manually adding an item's location rather than it needing to have a tracker device, but it could be a little more reliable or secure than writing the location down in a notebook.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you suffer from motion sickness when using your phone? Would you trust an AI tool to remember where you put your passport? Do you think these unusual features will actually be useful?