Google continues to roll out a slew of new features to enhance users’ experiences. This time, the tech giant has announced a May feature drop for Android that brings seven new updates and features related to Messages, Meet, Google Home, hotspot, Gboard, Wear OS, and more. Among the notable ones is the new option in Google Messages that will let users edit sent messages. The feature, which works with Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages, will allow Android smartphone users to edit messages up to 15 minutes after they’ve been sent.
To edit a message, users need to tap-and-hold the sent message and then select the edit button that appears at the top of the screen. This will open up the text field, where users can edit the text of the message. Next, tap on the send button once you have finished editing. The update starts rolling out on May 30 for all phones running Android 8 or later.
Other notable features include hotspot sharing, a casting option in Google Meet, and new sticker combinations in the Emoji Kitchen.
Hotspot Sharing
Google has also added an “Instant Hotspot” feature on Android that will allow users to connect an Android tablet or Chromebook to their phone’s smartphone’s Wi-Fi hotspot with a single tap. The update will not require users to enter a password to establish the connection. Moreover, the update allows users to switch between connected phones, web browsers, or tablets during Google Meet calls by tapping the Cast icon. This feature is slated for release in the coming months on Android phones, foldables, and tablets running Android 11 or later.
Google Home widget
Another update that Android smartphones are getting is a new home screen widget. This feature will allow the user to control their most-used smart home device from one place. Similarly, WearOS-powered smartwatches can also run this functionality through the Google Home Favourites tile. Additionally, a new PayPal option for Google Wallet in Germany and the US is being added to allow users to make payments from their smartwatches.
Google Meet video call casting
The tech giant will also roll out a feature that will allow users to switch devices while attending calls on Google Meets soon. Users will be required to enable “call casting” within the menu and also the cross-device services from Settings to enable this feature. Once enabled, users can click on the cast icon and switch to another device during the Google Meet call.
In addition to that, Google is introducing new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations on June 10, which will let users combine more emojis to make new sharable stickers and share via Gboard.
Last but not least, digital car key support is being extended for Android 12 or later to cover additional vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, select Mini, and Polestar models.
