GOOGLE is finally letting Android users edit their text messages after sending them.
The new feature is part of a sweeping upgrade that adds a long list of perks to your Android phone.
Google revealed the new benefits in a blog post, promising that they’ll “elevate your everyday”.
GET EDITING!
The big new feature is the ability to edit texts send via Google Messages.
You’ll now be able to simply tap and hold on an RCS message that you’ve sent.
Google says you can “edit typos, adding missing words, or clarify what you mean”.
But be warned: you’ll only be able to make edits in the first 15 minutes after a message is sent.
The feature will be familiar to iPhone owners: it was included in Apple’s iOS 16 update.
BONUS FEATURES
Editing your texts isn’t the only upgrade however.
Google is adding Instant Hotspot, which will let you quickly connect your Android tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s hotspot with a single tap.
It means you won’t need to tap in your password to join your own network.
Anther upgrade will let you quickly change devices during Google Meet calls.
Google explained: “You’ll be able to tap the Cast icon to seamlessly switch between your connected devices so you can move between your Android phone, tablet or web browser.”
New Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations are rolling out that you can share with friends via Gboard.
You’ll be able to add a Google Home Favorites widget to your phone’s home screen.
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Unlock the doors, dim the lights or change the temperature before you arrive home with just a tap on the wrist.
This will let you quickly manage and control your smart home devices – like connected lightbulbs or thermostats.
Finally, Google is upgrading its digital car key feature.
This lets you unlock, lock, and even start your car with your smartphone.
And it lets you securely share your key with friends and family.
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Google Pixel battery tips – the official guide
Here’s the official Google advice for Pixel owners on how to make your battery charge go further…
Tip 1: Let the phone close apps you’re not using.
Tip 2: Keep your phone and apps up to date. Applications become more battery efficient with each new iteration, addressing errors and glitches that use unnecessary power.
Tip 3: Turn down the brightness. Save your eyes by turning down the brightness of your phone, while also saving the battery. You can also set your phone to Dark theme, which turns your background to black. It uses less power and relieves some of the strain on your eyes, too.
Tip 4: Know which apps and activities are power hungry. Pixel users should be aware of what activities drain their batteries most. Video calls and gaming are at the top of the list. Users should also shut down apps they have opened but aren’t using.
It currently works on select MINI car models, and will soon be expanding to a number of Mercedes-Benz and Polestar.
WEAR IT
Google also announced some clever bonus features for anyone using a Wear OS smartwatch.
You’ll now be able to customize it with a Google Home favorites tile and complication.
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This works like the one on Android phones, letting you view and control smart home devices in a single place.
“Unlock the doors, dim the lights or change the temperature before you arrive home with just a tap on the wrist,” Google says.
Lastly, Google is now letting users make payments from their wrists.
Gadget fans in the U.S. or Germany will be able to use Wear OS watches to pay for things via PayPal on Google Wallet.
This is similar to the existing Apple Pay feature on the Apple Watch.