Google’s September Android update adds Find Hub item memory, Guided vision, and more

Google has detailed the new features rolling out to Android as part of its September Android update, leading with a Find Hub upgrade that could be especially useful for anyone who struggles to keep track of where they’ve put things, including people with ADHD. The update lets users ask Gemini to remember the location of physical items without needing a compatible tag or accessory attached to them. For example, someone could tell Gemini, “Hey Google, remember in Find Hub that I put my passport in the vault inside my bedroom cabinet,” and attach a photo alongside the note.

Later, users can simply ask Gemini where an item is and get the saved location back, or they can browse everything they’ve stored inside Find Hub, complete with each item’s location. Google says this feature will be available on Android 16 and newer devices, in regions where both Gemini and Find Hub are already supported.

Motion Assist and Guided vision expand accessibility

Phones already running Android 17 are getting a new Motion Assist feature aimed at reducing motion sickness. It overlays a set of small, transparent bubbles on the screen that move along with the vehicle, which Google describes as a way to “bridge the gap between what your eyes see and the movement of your ride.” Users will be able to customize the bubbles’ shape, color, and opacity, and can either set the feature to switch on automatically inside a moving vehicle or add it manually to Quick Settings.

Devices running Android 9 or newer are also getting Guided vision, a feature built for people with visual impairments. In regions where Gemini is available, users can share their camera feed inside Gemini Live and have the assistant describe what’s in front of them, read labels and menus out loud, or help locate specific objects. The feature can be added to Accessibility shortcuts or launched directly from the TalkBack menu.

Messages adds Keep notes and custom chat themes

Starting today, Google is also rolling out Keep integration inside Messages, letting users share notes such as shopping lists directly in a conversation, with every participant able to edit and add to those notes. Google says it has additionally introduced chat themes in Messages today as well, giving users the option to choose the colors and wallpaper for each individual conversation, rather than applying one look across every chat.