Google lets you edit sent Messages in latest Android feature drop

Google is releasing seven new updates and features to make Android devices and services more useful. The most notable update is to Google Messages, which now lets users edit messages up to 15 minutes after they’ve been sent.

This is achieved by tapping and holding on sent RCS messages and then 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 inside 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 update to instant hotspot also lets users switch between connected phones, tablets, or web browsers during Google Meet calls by tapping the Cast icon. These features all start rolling out to Android phones, foldables, and tablets running Android 11 or later on June 10th.

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 homescreen on Android phones. Starting today, smartwatches running Wear OS 3 or later can also run the Google Home Favorites tile, alongside a new PayPal option for Google Wallet in the US and Germany.

Emoji Kitchen is also getting some new sticker combinations on June 10th 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. The digital key update is available for Android 12 or later. Support for Mini vehicles, which is already available in the EU, started rolling out in the US on May 13th. Support for Mercedes-Benz will be available on June 10th, while Polestar support will roll out between June 17th and 21st.