Google Inc. has announced various updates for a few of its apps, including Duo, Allo, Photos and Maps. 

The company made several of the announcements at its Google for Brazil event in São Paulo, many of which are aimed at areas with a poor network connection. Brazil ranks among the top five Internet populations in the world with more than 139 million people online. Many of the updates aim to make Google apps work better in Brazil and worldwide when internet connections are slow.

Google’s updates include audio-only calling in Duo, file sharing in Allo, location sharing in Maps, easier backup and sharing of photos and more. In addition to these new features, Google also announced plans to roll out Google Assistant in Brazilian Portuguese, which will be available on Android phones running Marshmallow or Nougat. It also plans to roll out Waze Carpool in Brazil later this year. 

Here’s a look at all the new features for Google apps:

Google Duo

At its I/O developers conference in May, Google introduced a simple video calling app called Duo for Android and iOS. Google is now introducing audio-only calling for its Duo app to accommodate users with a poor network connection or in other situations when video calling isn’t possible.

“Duo audio calls work well on all connection speeds and won’t eat up your data,” according to Google.

In the Duo app, users can swipe down on the main screen to reveal a video/audio toggle. Slide the toggle to audio and users can start an audio-only call.

The new voice calling has rolled out in Brazil first, but a global rollout will take place to all users in the “coming days” for Android and iOS users.

Google Allo

In conjunction with its Duo app, Google also unveiled it’s smart messaging app Allo in May.

Now Google is adding the ability to share documents and files in Allo group chats for Android users. Supported files include .pdf, .docs, .apk, .zip and mp3. File sharing is rolling out globally to all Android users.

For Brazilian users only, Google is also rolling out Smart Smiley in Portuguese. The feature uses machine learning to help users find the correct emoji faster. On the compose bar, tap the Smart Smiley icon > the app will suggest relevant emojis and stickers.

Google Photos

To make it easier to backup and share photos in the Google Photos app when users have low connectivity, the company is rolling out two new features for Android users.

Photos will automatically be backed up in a lightweight preview quality that’s fast on 2G connections. As soon as a good Wi-Fi connection is available the backed up photos will be replaced with high-quality versions.

Google are also making it easier to share multiple photos on low connectivity. When you share photos on a poor internet connection, the photos will be sent in low resolution and will later be updated with higher resolution options when the connection is stronger.

Google Maps

Google has introduced location sharing into its Maps app, which will allow users to share their real-time location and trip progress with select contacts. Google Maps had a similar feature called Latitude, but it was removed in 2013 and incorporated into Google+.

Location sharing can be beneficial at times, but can also be creepy, especially if users forget they are sharing their location. Facebook Inc. did away with precise location sharing in its “Nearby Friends” feature in December. Users were able to share their location temporarily or permanently.

Location sharing in Google Maps is rolling out worldwide.

How to share your location in Google Maps

To share your location in Google Maps, open the side menu or tap blue dot on the map representing your location > tap “Share location” > select the contacts that you want to share it with > select a time limit for the location sharing.

Tip: You can also share your location by sending your contacts a link via a messaging app.

The contacts that you have shared your location with will be able to see where you are on the map. On your own map, an icon above the compass will indicate that you are currently sharing your location, which you can disable at any stage.

You can also share your location and trip progress when you are running late. At the bottom of the navigation screen, tap the “More” icon > tap “Share trip.”

Your contacts will be able to see your expected arrival time and be able to track your trip on their map. The trip progress sharing will stop automatically when you arrive at your destination.

Tip: To manage your location sharing settings across all Google products, go to “My Account” > “Your personal info” section > Location Sharing.

Posts on Google

During the 2016 U.S. Elections, the company starting experimenting with Posts on Google, which allowed people and places to post directly on Google Search. Google is now making this feature available to more organizations and people.

The company is opening up the application process to organizations and people in the U.S. and Brazil. If they fall within a certain category, including museums, sports teams, sports leagues, movies and musicians (only in Brazil for now), Google will allow them to post directly on Google.  

For organizations interested in Posts on Google, you can complete your details and request access.

Main image: Jon Russell; Flickr | GIF: Google