Latest news with #RCS
Mint
10 hours ago
- Mint
New Google Messages update lets Android users edit messages sent to iPhones
In a welcome update for Android users, Google has started testing a new feature that lets people edit messages even after sending them to iPhone users. Until now, this ability was only possible in conversations between Android devices. Thanks to updates in the RCS standard, editing across platforms is finally becoming possible. The new editing feature is based on the Universal Profile 3.0 standard. This update improves how Android phones and iPhones exchange messages using RCS, or Rich Communication Services. With it, users can long-press a sent message and tap a pencil icon to change the content. The original message will appear in the typing field, where edits can be made and then resent. There is a 15-minute window to make these changes. This brings Android closer to iMessage-like features, but there are still some differences. On the Android side, the edited message replaces the original one. On the iPhone, however, the new version appears as a separate message and is often marked with an asterisk. This may cause some confusion, especially in fast-paced conversations. Currently, the feature is only being tested with a small group of beta users. Google is likely collecting feedback before rolling it out to everyone. There is no word yet on when a wider launch might happen. Also, iPhone users still do not have the option to edit RCS messages they send to Android users. Apple may need to update its Messages app to support this functionality fully. Despite these early hiccups, the feature marks an important step forward for cross-platform communication. Along with other RCS improvements like typing indicators, high-quality images, and read receipts, message editing brings more flexibility and ease to users. This update helps make Android texting feel more modern and user-friendly, even in mixed-device conversations. Whether you are correcting a typo or rephrasing your message, having the ability to edit gives you better control of your chats.
Android Authority
10 hours ago
- Android Authority
Google Messages is hiding a useful text formatting feature from users
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR It turns out Google Messages supports text formatting, but currently, only the integrated Gemini chatbot can use it to format its own replies. The hidden feature uses Markdown syntax, as seen when the Gemini chatbot formats its own text with symbols like double asterisks for bolding. A full rollout may be challenging due to cross-platform compatibility needs, as text formatting isn't a standard part of the RCS specification. Google Messages was a simple SMS app back in the day, but since adopting Rich Communication Services (RCS) and becoming Android's default texting app, it has steadily grown more feature-rich. However, it still lacks some basic quality-of-life features found in competing messaging apps, such as text formatting — or so we thought. It turns out Google Messages does have text formatting support, but it's hidden away from users. Many messaging apps let you apply basic formatting to your messages before sending them. You can typically bold, italicize, strikethrough, or underline text. Android apps with this capability usually let you format text by selecting it and choosing an option from a context menu or toolbar. Google is no stranger to this, as both Google Chat and Google Keep already support text formatting. Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority Formatting text in Google Chat Regular Android Authority contributor Assemble Debug first spotted evidence in November 2023 suggesting that Google was planning to bring text formatting to Messages. In the year and a half since that discovery, however, nobody had reported the feature going live, so we thought it had been abandoned. Yesterday, however, Telegram user derelict_arch informed us that the Google Gemini chatbot in Messages was formatting its own text using Markdown — a system that adds formatting by wrapping plain text with simple symbols. For example, the chatbot bolded words by wrapping them in double asterisks (**word**) and highlighted code by wrapping it in backticks (`code`). derelict_arch on Telegram While I was also able to get Gemini to respond with Markdown-formatted text, I couldn't format my own messages before sending them. It seems that while Google Messages has backend support for text formatting, only the Gemini chatbot can currently use it. Unfortunately, there's no way for users to format texts themselves. I can understand why Google hasn't rolled out Markdown text formatting for everyone, as it's a niche feature. The average person doesn't know Markdown syntax and would struggle to use it. However, Google could still add text formatting to Messages without forcing users to learn Markdown. The company could simply add formatting options to a context menu or toolbar, similar to its implementation in Google Keep. The main challenge, then, would be ensuring formatted text renders properly on other devices. This wouldn't be a problem on Android, as most devices use Google Messages, allowing Google to handle the formatting. However, it might pose a problem when texting between iPhone and Android, as text formatting isn't defined in the latest RCS Universal Profile 3.0 release for person-to-person chats. According to some users, iMessage added support for basic text formatting with the same syntax as Google Chat and WhatsApp in iOS 18, so it's not out of the realm of possibility for Apple and Google to adopt it. For now, though, we have no indication that either company is working on this, so we'll just have to hope it comes to fruition. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Tom's Guide
11 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Gemini could get a major upgrade thanks to RCS support — what that means for you
If you've ever tried to send text messages from Gemini, even through Google Messages, you may have noticed the AI can only send SMS text messages. It won't even send MMS messages, and as terrible the quality of those images is, it's still better than not being able to send anything. Fortunately things might be changing, with Android Authority uncovering clues that suggest Gemini will be getting RCS support in the near future. The code found in Google app v16.25.44 suggests that Gemini will gain the ability to "fetch RCS Capabilities" So while RCS itself isn't being baked into Gemini, this should allow the AI chatbot to interact with Google Messages and send messages via the more advanced messaging platform. That should open up a bunch more capabilities for Gemini. Not just sending images to your contacts, but all the other things RCS offers that Google currently says Gemini can't do. We're talking about creating or contributing to group chats, reacting to messages, sending GIFs and emojis, or even just having the option to send messages with end-to-end encryption. Though that last one will depend on what messaging platform your contacts use. RCS encryption is not available on iPhone, for example. As Android Authority notes, if RCS isn't available on both devices, then Gemini will likely fall back to SMS. Which, while better than nothing, isn't the most feature-rich or secure method of communicating. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So the fact Gemini may be getting the ability to send RCS messages in the near future can only be a good thing. Unfortunately we don't know when it might happen. Android Authority notes that the feature is still a work in progress, and Google hasn't made any official announcements about it. But the fact code is present in the Google app means it should be on the way at some point — and hopefully soon.
Phone Arena
12 hours ago
- Phone Arena
Latest Google Messages feature might make texting between Android and iPhone awkward again
Texting between iPhone and Android used to be broken iPhone and Android users but that changed when Apple embraced the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard with iOS 18 . RCS enables better texting features compared to what's available in SMS, such as high-quality image sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. Some features are not available cross-platform, but Google and Apple have been working to ship them. One such feature that's now rolling out is the ability to edit messages. Receive the latest iOS news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy You will have to adhere to the same 15-minute requirement that currently exists and the revised message will get an "Edited" tag. iOS 18 .5 and the You will have to adhere to the same 15-minute requirement that currently exists and the revised message will get an "Edited" tag..5 and the iOS 26 beta appear to support the feature and it works in both individual and group chats. Should Google have waited to enable this feature for Android users? Yes, the current situation is unfair for iPhone users No, Android users shouldn't have to suffer because of Apple I don't know, but this will pressure Apple into action Yes, the current situation is unfair for iPhone users 0% No, Android users shouldn't have to suffer because of Apple 0% I don't know, but this will pressure Apple into action 0% The implementation is messy for iPhone users. On iOS, edited texts will show up as new messages, instead of replacing them and there will be an asterisk before the modified message. On top of that, iPhone users can't currently edit messages sent to The good news is that Apple plans support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which will also In the meantime, texting between Android and iPhone users will go back to being messy for a little while and may even veer on awkward, considering Android users will be able to take back their words, but not the other way around. The implementation is messy for iPhone users. On iOS, edited texts will show up as new messages, instead of replacing them and there will be an asterisk before the modified top of that, iPhone users can't currently edit messages sent to Android phones The good news is that Apple plans support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which will also bring end-to-end encryption , but we don't know when that will the meantime, texting between Android and iPhone users will go back to being messy for a little while and may even veer on awkward, considering Android users will be able to take back their words, but not the other way around. Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer Last year, in May, Google brought the edit message feature, but it only worked for Android users. That's now beginning to change, with Google steadily rolling out the ability to edit texts sent to iPhone users from an Android Google introduced the feature for Android users , it wasn't a part of the RCS specification. RCS messaging on iOS was based on Universal Profile 2.4, which didn't include message editing. This is why Android owners could only edit messages they sent to each April, Universal Profile 3.0 was published and it introduced message editing. It paved the way for cross-platform message editing and it's now showing up for Android to, Android users will now be able to edit messages sent to iPhone users. All you have to do is long-press a message to uncover a pencil icon and tap on it to make changes. The original text will appear in the reply box and you will be able to resend it after making the desired changes
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Indian Express
Android users can now edit messages sent to iPhones via Google Messages
With iOS 18, Apple introduced support for Rich Communication Services, enabling cross-platform messaging features between Android and iPhone users. The messaging standard enabled features like high-quality media sharing, typing indicators and read receipts, but a lot of functionalities were still missing. And while both Android and iPhone users were able to edit messages sent from one iPhone to another or one Android device to another, the edit option was missing if you sent a message from Android to iPhone or vice versa. But now, a new report by Android Authority suggests that Google is finally rolling out the ability to edit messages sent from an Android device to an iPhone. The feature works with both individual and group chats, but the 15-minute window that currently exists for both Android and iOS still applies. 1. To edit a sent message, simply long-press on the sent message to get a pencil icon. 2. When you tap on this icon, it will then fill up the reply box with the original text. 3. Now, edit the message and resend it. One thing to note is that the feature works flawlessly on Android devices, with the edited message appearing on iPhones with an asterisk before the text. The report also suggests that iPhone users cannot currently edit sent RCS messages, as Apple will most likely need to update its Messages app to handle RCS editing. However, there is currently no information on when that will happen. As of now, the ability to edit messages sent from Android to iPhones is not widely available, as Google is reportedly testing the new features with beta users, so you may have to wait a while before the functionality is available on your device. Earlier this year, in March, Apple said it is adapting the newly unveiled RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which allows users to send end-to-end encrypted messages via RCS from Android to iPhone or vice versa.
