AI seems to be at the heart of everything new that Google is bringing to the Android operating system, including the futuristic new Project Astra and the enhanced Gemini assistant. However, the massive search engine is still taking its time releasing new non-AI features and settings for Android on a regular basis. Google revealed seven new Android OS features on Thursday that are meant to “elevate your everyday.”
Along with a few new capabilities for your Wear OS-powered smart watch, the Android updates include the ability to modify text messages even after they have been received and the ease of sharing hotspots across devices. Here is all the information you need to get a sneak peek at what’s new on Android.
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To learn more about Android, check out the two new privacy features available for Android 15 and everything that was revealed during the Google I/O presentation earlier this month. Here’s how to get Android 15 right now if you want to test out some of the new features for yourself.
Once your texts have been sent, edit them.
Using the Google Messages app to edit text
If the SMS message has been altered, the recipient will be aware of it.
Google
On Android, you no longer need to send a follow-up text message to correct a mistake. You may now modify messages in Google Messages, even after they’ve been sent. To amend a sent text RCS message, just press and hold your finger down on it, then choose the edit icon at the top. You have 15 minutes to modify a message after it has been sent, so you don’t necessarily need to be fast on the draw, but you also can’t be too sluggish or you’ll lose the opportunity to correct a mistake or add extra information.
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During video chats, switching between devices and sharing hotspots is simple.
Android’s new cross-device services
For the new cross-device services option to function, all of your Android devices need to have it activated.
Google
Cross-device services may be enabled if you have several Android devices linked to the same Google account. This will make switching between them easier when necessary. With just one press, you can connect your Android tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s hotspot thanks to the first new feature, Instant Hotspot. Every device you want to connect to the internet won’t need you to input your password.
If you want to move between your Android phone, tablet, and web browser during a Google Meet conversation, you may do so with the second new cross-device functionality. To move between your connected Android devices, just press the cast symbol.
Read more: Circle search is now supported on certain older phones. Check to See If Yours Is Among Them
There will be more sticker options available in the Android Emoji Kitchen feature.
Any two emoji may be combined, for example alien + sunglasses or feces + fire.
Google
New pairings (such as disco ball and headphones) will soon be available on Emoji Kitchen for Android. Any two emoji may be combined to create a whole new sticker with Emoji Kitchen, a feature included into the stock Android keyboard. These emoji fusions are simple to make in Android’s Gboard and can be used as stickers to your text messages or other texts.
From the home screen of your phone, control Google Home devices.
The Android home screen’s Google Home Favorites widget
The Google Home favorites widget on your home screen is resizable.
Google
You can now instantly check the temperature in your bedroom or switch off the lights in your kitchen from the home screen of your phone. To operate your most often used smart devices, such as the Nest Thermostat, any Philips LED smart light, and the Wyze security camera system, just add the Google Home favorites widget to your home screen.
To use unreleased features, such as the Google Home favorites widget, you must be enrolled in the public preview of the most recent Google Home app update. Go to Settings > Public Preview > Join Public Preview in the Google Home app to register.
See also: 2024’s Top Nest and Google Assistant Tips
Utilize your Wear OS watch to control your smart devices and take advantage of additional payment options.
Features of the new Wear OS
Now, you can use your Wear OS watch to rapidly control your connected home devices (left) and pay using PayPal (right).
Google
Do you own a Google Pixel Watch or a Samsung Galaxy Watch? Android is adding a few more capabilities to your Wear OS smart watch, such as additional wrist payment options and the ability to control your favorite smart gadgets.
Are you familiar with the recently released Google Game Favorites widget that we discussed in the previous section? Your Wear OS watch has a tile and a shortcut that allows you to see and operate all of your connected smart home devices from a one location. With a single wrist touch, you’ll be able to open doors, dim your lights, and more.
Additionally, you can now use your Wear OS watch to make safe payments using PayPal on Google Wallet if you live in the US or Germany.
More automobiles will soon have digital car keys.
Android-based digital vehicle keys
Digital car keys on Android may also be used to open the trunk or activate your vehicle’s alarm.
Android
Digital car keys are already available on a few Mini models and will soon be accessible on a few Mercedes-Benz and Polestar cars if you want to use your phone as your car key. These digital auto keys may be used from your phone to start your vehicle, open your door, and share your keys with loved ones.