Google claims to have cracked a problem that has flummoxed anyone who has tried to read a doctor's note - how to read anyone's handwriting. The firm claims the latest update to its Android handsets can under 82 languages in 20 distinct scripts, and works with both printed and cursive writing input with or without a stylus. It even allows users to simply draw emoji they want to send. Scroll down for video . The California search giant claims the latest update to its Android handsets can understand handwriting in 82 languages in 20 distinct scripts. Google says its handwriting recognition works by 'building on large-scale language modeling, robust multi-language OCR, and incorporating large-scale neural-networks and approximate nearest neighbour search for character classification.' 'Entering text on mobile devices is still considered inconvenient by many; touchscreen keyboards, although much improved over the years, require a lot of attention to hit the right buttons,' Google said. 'Voice input is an option, but there are situations where it is not feasible, such as in a noisy environment or during a meeting. 'Using handwriting as an input method can allow for natural and intuitive input method for text entry which complements typing and speech input methods.' Google Handwriting Input is now available on Android phones, and the firm said it took 'many years' to perfect. 'Google Handwriting Input is the result of many years of research at Google. 'Until recently there have been many languages where enabling this functionality presented significant challenges. Google also today launched a new feature allowing users who have lost their phone to simply Google it. It works with all Android phones that have the latest Google app installed, and it appears to only work when you're signed into your Google account on Chrome - although this hasn't been confirmed. The same Google account must be signed into on the phone. The Californian firm announced the tool on its Google+ page. It said: 'We’ve all been there - you’ve searched under your car seat, tossed around the sofa cushions and you still can’t find your phone. Android handsets can understand handwriting in 82 languages in 20 distinct scripts . 'If you know where your computer is you can now ask Google to find your Android phone from your desktop. 'If the pesky phone is hiding nearby, Google can ring it for you - or you can see it on the map if you, say, forgot it at the bar. 'Just make sure you’ve got the latest version of the Google app!' Google's latest tool can't lock the missing phone, or erase its data. Users will need to install the Android Device Manager (ADM) app (pictured) if they want these features. Both tools override the selected sound profile, too, meaning that even if a phone is on silent it will still ring at full volume for five minutes . To locate a lost phone, sign into a Google account on Chrome via the menu in the top right-hand corner. Type 'find my phone' either into the address bar - if Google is set as the default search engine - or open Google and type it into the search bar on the site's homepage. A map appears as the first search result with a message asking the user to sign in again to confirm their identity. This prevents people being able to track a person's phone if the previous user forgets to log out of their Google account on a shared Chrome browser, for example. Google has announced a new tool that locates missing handsets simply by searching for the term 'find my phone' on the search engine's homepage (animated). It works with all Android phones that have the latest Google app installed and when the user is signed into their Google account on Chrome . The phone's location is then pinpointed and clicking a 'Ring' button beneath the map will then remotely call the handset. Google's latest tool can't lock the missing phone, or erase its data. Users will need to install the Android Device Manager (ADM) app if they want these features. ADM was launched in August 2013 and works in a similar way to the search tool. It locates a phone on a map, remotely rings and lets users carry out additional security tasks. Both tools override the selected sound profile, too, meaning that even if a phone is on silent it will still ring at full volume for five minutes, or until it is answered.
Google Handwriting Input works on Android phones and tablets.
Handsets can under 82 languages in 20 distinct scripts.
Works with both printed and cursive writing input with or without a stylus.