Here are all the new Android features announced today

Everything new in Google’s Android operating system seems to be focused on artificial intelligence, such as the enhanced Gemini assistant and the new, futuristic Project Astra. However, the search giant still needs time to roll out new non-AI features and settings for Android on a regular basis. Google on Thursday announced seven new features for its Android operating system that will “make your everyday life better.”

Android additions include editing text messages even after they’re sent and easily sharing hotspots between devices, as well as some new features for the Wear OS smartwatch. If you want to preview what’s new in Android, here’s everything you need to know.

For more on Android, check out all the news announced at the Google I/O keynote earlier this month, plus the two new privacy tools in Android 15 you can use right now. And if you want to try out the new features for yourself, here’s how to download Android 15 now.

Edit text messages after sending them

You no longer have to correct a typo when sending another text message on Android. In Google News, you can now edit messages even after they’ve been sent. All you need to do is tap and hold your finger on the sent RCS text message, click the edit icon at the top, and then edit the sent message. Whether you want to correct a spelling mistake or add more information, you have 15 minutes to edit your message after you send it, so while you don’t have to rush the draw, you also can’t be too slow or I’ll miss your chance.

Easily share hotspots and switch between devices during video calls

If you have multiple Android devices signed into the same Google account, you can enable cross-device services to be able to switch between them more seamlessly when needed. The first new feature, Instant Hotspot, lets you connect your phone’s hotspot to your Android tablet or Chromebook with one tap. You don’t have to enter your password on every device you want to connect to the Internet.

The second new cross-device feature allows you to switch between devices while on a Google Meet call, in case you want to switch between your Android phone, tablet, and web browser. All you need to do is click the cast icon to switch between connected Android devices.

read more: Some older phones now support circle search. Check if yours is one of them

More sticker combinations are coming to Emoji Kitchen

New combinations (such as disco ball + headphones) will soon appear in the Emoji Kitchen app on Android. Emoji Kitchen is a tool built into the default Android keyboard that lets you combine any two emojis to create a brand new sticker. You can easily create these emoji fusions on Android’s Gboard and then drop them into text messages or anywhere else as stickers.

Control your Google Home devices from your phone’s home screen

If you want to quickly check the temperature in your bedroom or turn off the kitchen lights, you can now do it from your phone’s home screen. All you need to do is add the Google Home Favorites widget to your home screen to control your most frequently used smart devices, such as the Nest thermostat, any Philips smart LED bulbs, and the Wyze security camera system.

To access unreleased features like the Google Home Favorites widget, you’ll need to sign up for the public preview of the latest Google Home app update. To register, open the Google Home app and go to Settings > Public preview > Join the public preview.

read more: Best Nest and Google Assistant devices for 2024

Manage your smart devices and have more ways to pay with your Wear OS watch

Do you wear a Samsung Galaxy Watch or a Google Pixel watch? Android is bringing several new features to the Wear OS smartwatch, including the ability to manage your favorite smart devices and more ways to pay from your wrist.

Do you know the new Google favorites widget that we mentioned in the previous section? You can get a tile and complications (shortcut) on your Wear OS watch to quickly view and control any connected smart home devices from one place. With a tap of your wrist, you’ll be able to dim the lights, open doors, and more.

And when it comes to secure payments, if you’re in the US or Germany, you can now use your Wear OS watch to pay with PayPal in Google Wallet.

Digital car keys will be available in more vehicles

And if you want to use your phone as a car key, digital car keys are now available on select Mini models and will soon be available on select Mercedes-Benz and Polestar vehicles. With these digital car keys you can open your doors, start your car or share keys with family and friends – all from your phone.

For more information, check out the best Android phones in 2024.