Google just announced eight new features for Android

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New features are the best part of any software update, but surprising new features are even better. Google just announced a new feature today that includes eight new features for you to try on your Android devices. Surprisingly, these features don’t have much to do with Google’s current focus on artificial intelligence. Given how poorly its AI Overviews project is progressing, it's almost refreshing to see some traditionally useful features coming to Android.

You can now edit sent messages

Google has finally rolled out the ability to edit RCS messages after they've been sent. After sending the message, you have 15 minutes to make changes. To find this option, press and hold the message. Google did not clarify whether there is a limit on how many times a message can be changed before the 15-minute timer expires, but the change brings the company in line with other messaging platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp.

New Emoji Kitchen Set

Emoji Kitchen is a feature that allows you to combine compatible emojis to create something completely new. (For example, the winking emoji and the ghost emoji become a winking ghost.) Google is now releasing new combinations of the feature, but they haven't listed all possible combinations yet. In a press release, they highlighted just one combination: headphones and a disco ball as a way to "get ready for the holidays." However, presumably there is more to be discovered.

Switch between devices during a Google Meet call

Going forward, you'll be able to jump between connected devices during a Google Meet call. To do this, click the Cast button and switch from your web browser to your Android phone or tablet. This is a great feature for those of us who need to step away from our desk during a meeting but want to continue the call. And vice versa: If someone calls you while you're away, but you're still chatting when you get home, you can switch to your computer and end the call at your desk.

Join your hotspot without a password

Google is rolling out "Instant Hotspot," which will let you connect your Android tablet or Chromebook to your phone's hotspot without having to enter a password every time. This is a small but welcome change that should make connecting to your hotspot feel more like connecting to a known WiFi network. (Even though you still have to choose to connect to your hotspot every time.)

Google Home Favorites Widget

The Google Home Favorites widget is now available on the home screen for users who sign up for the public preview. With it, you can control your smart devices from your phone's home screen without opening the Google Home app first. I could see this being particularly handy for quick actions like turning smart lights on and off, or checking statistics for devices like smart thermostats.

Google Home Favorites on Wear OS

Additionally, Google is making Google Home favorites tiles and complications (essentially features on the watch face) for your Wear OS smartwatch. So if you want to adjust your smart home devices from your wrist, just do the same thing as above on your watch.

PayPal is now included in Google Wallet on Wear OS

In an update to Google Wallet, PayPal will be an option when paying with Wear OS smartwatches, at least if you're in the US or Germany.

digital car key

Google is taking this opportunity to launch digital car keys on Android, starting with "some MINI models" and later expanding to some Mercedes-Benz and Polestar models. When you have a car that supports this feature, you'll be able to use your phone to lock, unlock, or start your car, as well as share digital car keys with trusted contacts. Digital car keys (like those on iOS) are a slow-moving technology for a number of reasons, including cybersecurity and a lack of standardization. The more companies like Google there are, the more likely it is that car manufacturers will want to add this feature to their cars.

If you're looking for a new Android phone to try out these new features (and everything else Android has to offer), check out some recommendations from our sister site PCMag:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB Unlocked Mobile Phone (Titanium Black)