Text Message Editing: 
Starting today, Android users can enjoy a long-awaited feature: the ability to edit text messages after they’ve been sent. This feature is available through Google Messages and uses RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology.
What is RCS?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which is a next-generation SMS protocol. Unlike traditional SMS, which only supports text, RCS supports higher quality images, read receipts, typing indicators, and more. This makes messaging feel more like using apps like WhatsApp or iMessage.
How Does the Editing Feature Work?
When you send a message via Google Messages using RCS, you now have a 15-minute window to edit that message. If you make a typo or want to change the content, you can do so within this time frame.
Steps to Edit a Message
- Send a Message: Send a message as you normally would through Google Messages.
- Edit the Message: Tap and hold on the message you want to edit. You’ll see an option to edit the message.
- Make Changes: Make the necessary changes to your message.
- Save: Save the changes. The edited message will be updated for the recipient.
- Limitations
- Time Limit: You only have 15 minutes to make any edits.
- Compatibility: Both you and the recipient need to be using Google Messages with RCS enabled. If your carrier does not support RCS, this feature won’t work.
- Cross-Platform Messaging: Messages sent to iPhones or non-RCS supported devices will use traditional SMS/MMS, so editing won’t be possible.
Other New Features Coming to Android:
New Google Home Favorites Widget
Google is enhancing the Google Home experience with a new Favorites widget. This widget allows you to control your favorite smart home devices directly from your home screen without opening the Google Home app.
How to Use the Widget:
- Add the Widget: Long press on your home screen, select widgets, and choose the Google Home Favorites widget.
- Customize: Add your favorite devices like lights, thermostats, or cameras for quick access.
- Control Devices: Use the widget to turn devices on or off, adjust settings, or view live feeds.
- Compatibility The widget is currently available to users participating in the Android 15 Public Preview but will roll out to all Android users in the near future.
- Wear OS Enhancements
Google Home on Wear OS
Google is making it easier to control smart home devices from Wear OS smartwatches. Two new features are being introduced:
Google Home Favorite Tile: Add a tile to your smartwatch that gives you quick access to your favorite smart home devices.
Complication for Watch Faces: Add a Google Home Favorite complication to your watch face for even quicker access.
Google Wallet Updates
PayPal Integration
In the US and Germany, Google Wallet on Wear OS will now support PayPal. This means you can make secure payments with just a tap of your wrist.
Digital Car Keys
Google is expanding the digital car key feature to more car manufacturers. After Mini, Mercedes and Polestar will start offering digital car keys. This allows you to lock, unlock, and start your car using your Android phone.
Emoji Kitchen Enhancements
Emoji Kitchen allows you to mix and match emojis to create fun stickers. Google is adding more combinations, including new themes and more emojis, making it even more fun to express yourself.
Improved Hotspot Sharing
- Sharing your mobile hotspot between your Android devices is becoming easier. Now, if you have an Android tablet or a Chromebook, you can share your phone’s hotspot with a single tap.
- Google is continuously working to improve the Android experience. The new text message editing feature in Google Messages, along with the enhancements to Google Home, Wear OS, Google Wallet, and more, show the company’s commitment to making Android more user-friendly and feature-rich.
- These updates not only bring more functionality but also improve the overall user experience, making it easier to stay connected and manage your digital life. Whether it’s correcting a typo in a text, controlling smart home devices, making payments, or connecting your devices, these new features are designed to make your life simpler and more convenient.
