Android December 2024 Updates: New Features for Android, Wear OS, and Play Store

Android’s December 2024 Google System Updates bring several new features and improvements for Android users, Wear OS, and Google Play. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s new:

1. Google Play Store v44.1 (2024-12-16)

• Updated Notifications: Users will now receive notifications for updated apps from Google Play.
• Visual Improvements: The app and game categories in the search tab have been visually enhanced.
• Retirement of Share Apps Feature: The peer-to-peer Share apps functionality is being removed.

2. Google Play Services v24.49 (2024-12-16)

• Cross-Device Services: A new settings screen allows users to manage cross-device features and invitations.
• Wear OS Updates:
  • Wi-Fi and cellular networks will now be prioritized over Bluetooth for faster downloads during updates.
  • If Wi-Fi is unavailable, users can choose their preferred network.

3. Android System Intelligence U.38/V.13 (2024-12-09)

• Live Captions UI Bug Fixes: Several bugs in the Live Captions feedback UI have been addressed.

4. Google Wallet for Wear OS

• New Access Cards: Support for corporate badges, campus IDs, and more is now available on Wear OS devices.

5. ESPR (European Union Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation)

• Sustainability Updates: Google’s efforts to meet the ESPR include energy efficiency and sustainability improvements to align with the EU’s climate and material circularity goals.

6. Google Play Services v24.47 (2024-12-02)

• Developer Features: New tools for app developers to support Device Connectivity features.
• Expanded Google Wallet Support: Wear OS devices now support hotel keys, campus IDs, and corporate badges.
• Global Wallet Expansion: Google Wallet is now available in more countries.

These updates enhance system efficiency, improve app management, and introduce new features, providing a better experience for users across Android, Wear OS, and Google Play.