With Google Messages, Android phones can now edit messages sent via RCS within the same 15-minute window offered by iMessage on iPhones. Note that RCS support depends not only on the phone but also on carrier support. Messages sent between Android and iPhone devices will continue to use older SMS or MMS technology, which does not support RCS.
In addition to the significant upgrade in messaging technology, Google is introducing new ways to control Google Home through Android devices. A new Google Home Favorites widget allows for easy management of preferred smart devices. Initially available to those in the Android 15 Public Preview, this feature will eventually become accessible to all Android phones.
Further enhancements are coming to Wear OS smartwatches, which will now include a Google Home Favorite tile for more straightforward smart home control. Users can also add a Google Home Favorite complication to their watch faces, simplifying the management of devices like lights and thermostats.
These user-friendly updates mark a notable improvement in the Google Home experience, adding previously lacking shortcuts for quick device control.
Moreover, Google Wallet on Wear OS is now more versatile, offering new payment options for users in the US and Germany. Wear OS smartwatch owners in these regions can utilize PayPal to make secure payments with just a wrist tap.
Google is also expanding its digital car key feature. Starting June 10, Mercedes cars will begin supporting digital keys, followed by Polestar on June 17. This follows Mini’s rollout of digital keys earlier this month in the EU and US.
For emoji enthusiasts, Google’s Emoji Kitchen feature is now more versatile, offering a broader range of sticker combinations. Users can mix and match various emoji characters, including fun options like headphones and disco balls.
Additionally, Google is streamlining hotspot sharing between devices on the same Google account. Users with an Android tablet or Chromebook can now instantly share their phone’s hotspot with a single tap, a feature already familiar to iPhone and Samsung Galaxy users.
The immediate availability of these features means Android users can start editing their messages sent to other Android users straight away. While similar RCS support for iMessage has been hinted at by Apple, it remains to be seen how and when it will materialize.
Apple has indicated plans to support RCS messaging, but the specifics and timeline remain uncertain. It also remains unclear whether Apple will allow message editing between Android and iMessage users, contingent on their cooperation with Google’s new messaging capabilities
