Hot topics

Android Feature Drop: Edit Sent Messages, Instant Hotspot, and More!

nextpit Google Pixel 8a Display
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

Following the latest Android 15 beta, Google has announced new features that are coming with its May Pixel feature drop update. Some enhancements already hitting eligible devices, including the new edit feature for sent messages, while others are planned to be released in the coming months.

Undo message on Google Messages and new Emoji Kitchen

Among the seven new features, the most notable is an editing tool on the Google Messages app. The feature allows users to edit sent RCS messages up to 15 minutes after the message was sent. This is a similar function already enjoyed in the iMessage app on iPhones.

You'll need to enable RCS first to use the feature and at least running on Android 8. To start modifying a sent message, users just need to tap on hold on the message. The edited messages are then labeled as 'Edited', so the other line would know.

Android's May Pixel Feature Drop
The latest Android May Pixel Feature Drop features an edit feature for messages, instant hotspots, and smart home widgets. / © Google

A new upgrade that is soon to arrive to the messaging apps on Android is Emoji Kitchen. It's basically a feature we've seen first on iOS that lets you mix and mash up emojis. This is integrated into the Android Gboard app, so you can use it with third-party messaging apps apart from Google Messages.

Internet sharing without the fuss

Google is also adding an Instant Hotspot feature, which is said to arrive soon. As the name implies, it lets you connect your other devices like a Chromebook laptop or Android tablet to your handset's cellular data connection with just one tap from your smartphone.

Additionally, a call-switching feature is also integrated into the same settings as the hotspot tool, making it possible to switch devices quickly during a Meet video call.

Smarter home on your Android phone and watch

The update is receiving upgrades to the Google Home app as well. For Pixel and Android smartphones running on a public preview of the Google Home app, they will be able to add widgets of favorites smart home devices on the home screen. This gives quicker access to manage and monitor these smart home devices.

Google's May Pixel Feature Drop update
The latest Android May Pixel Feature Drop update is also adding smart home widgets for Wear OS and PayPal support in the Wallet app. / © Google

A similar feature is also coming to Android smartwatches through the Wear OS version of the app. For instance, you can add a toggle shortcut as a tile or complication onto your watch face.

Pay with Google Wallet on your wrist

Another feature that is already shipping is the support for PayPal on the Google Wallet app on Wear OS. You can integrate PayPal into the digital wallet app from the phone and start paying with just a tap of your smartwatch.

Google says this is presently available in the USA and Germany but it didn't confirm when it will be rolled out to other countries.

Android digital car key expanding to more vehicles

Alongside the update, Google announced that the Android digital car key is also expanding to more vehicle brands. Accordingly, it is planned to be roll out soon to select Mercedes-Benz and Polestar models. 

Many of these May Pixel Drop update features are set to arrive first to Google's Pixel smartphones and smartwatches, while it depends on OEMs on when to adopt these enhancements.

Do you use Google Messages on your device? Have you tried the new edit feature? Share with us know your experience in the comments.

Source: Google

 The best gaming monitors at a glance

  Best gaming monitor up to $400 Best gaming monitor up to $600 Best gaming monitor up to $800 Best gaming monitor up to $1,000 Best gaming monitor for consoles
Model
Image LG Ultragear 27GP850P - product image Asus ROG Strix XG27AQ - product image BenQ MOBIUZ EX3210U - product image Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDM - product image Gigabyte M32U - product image
Offers
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (0)
Jade Bryan

Jade Bryan
Junior Editor

I still remember how amazed I was when I first got hold of the Nokia 3210 back when I was a kid, and it was during that time I developed my love for technology, particularly for mobile phones. I started sharing my knowledge through writing in different blogs and forums back in Nokia Nseries era. I even make videos before where I put different phones side-by-side. Today, I'm still an avid enthusiast of smartphones, but my interests have evolved into smart devices and electric vehicles.

To the author profile
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing