Google lets you edit sent messages in Android’s latest feature

Google is launching seven new updates and features to make Android devices and services more useful. The most notable update is to Google Messages, which now allows users to edit messages within 15 minutes of sending.

This is done by tapping and holding the sent RCS messages and selecting the pencil icon that appears at the top of the screen. The feature has been expected since last year, when references to editing first appeared within the Messages app code. The Google Messages update starts rolling out today for all phones running Android 8 or later. Similar editing features have already been added to rival messaging services like Whatsapp and iMessage.

Google also announced improvements to Instant Hotspot, which will soon allow users to connect an Android tablet or Chromebook to their phone’s hotspot with a single tap – no password required. The upgrade to Instant Hotspot also allows users to switch between connected phones, tablets, or web browsers during Google Meet calls by tapping the Cast icon. All of these features will begin rolling out to Android phones, foldables, and tablets running Android 11 or later on June 10.

The Google Home Favorites widget, which allows users to quickly view and control their most-used smart home devices, is now available in public preview and can be added to the home screen of Android phones. Starting today, smartwatches running Wear OS 3 or later can also run the Google Home Favorites tile, along with a new PayPal option for Google Wallet in the US and Germany.

Emoji Kitchen will also receive some new sticker combinations on June 10 for users to share via Gboard. And lastly, digital car key support is being extended to cover additional vehicles, including select Mini, Mercedes-Benz and Polestar models. Digital key update is available for Android 12 or later. Support for Mini vehicles, which is already available in the EU, began rolling out in the US on May 13. Support for Mercedes-Benz will be available on June 10th, while support for Polestar will launch between June 17th and 21st.