Google Messages has introduced a proper unsend feature with the 'Delete for everyone' option.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Over time, Google Messages has introduced features that make it a worthy alternative to Apple Messages. The most recent enhancement, which allows users to completely unsend messages, is now being made available to a broader array of Android users, alleviating the embarrassment of accidentally sent texts.

      After initially unveiling the “Delete for everyone” feature in its Messages app, Google is expanding access beyond the beta testing group. As anticipated, this feature enables the sender to remove the message for all participants in individual or group chats, replacing the previous method where deleted messages would still be visible to others.

      The functionality for deleting messages was identified by a Reddit user named seeareeff (via 9to5Google), although they did not indicate the specific version of Google Messages needed for it to function. Despite updating the app to the latest version, we were unable to activate this feature, suggesting it might rely on server-side activation.

      These updates will specifically affect messages and chats utilizing RCS — a relatively recent internet-based messaging protocol that Google is attempting to establish as a replacement for traditional SMS, although it faces challenges getting Apple on board. All participants in the chat must have RCS enabled, which is necessary to access features like message reactions and typing indicators. Additionally, users must update Google Messages to the latest version; otherwise, deleted messages may remain visible to some recipients.

      In addition to communication with other Google Messages users, the cross-platform ability of RCS means it should, theoretically, function well with Apple Messages. This is due to Apple recently incorporating RCS alongside its own iMessage protocol in the Messages app. However, it does require that other users have updated their iPhones or iPads to iOS 18. There are still potential issues since RCS setup may be necessary for some users (via Google Messages’ settings) and not every telecom provider may support it.

      With Google Messages increasingly becoming the standard messaging application for Android, we can anticipate that Google will push for broader standardization.

      Tushar is a freelance writer at Digital Trends and has been contributing to the Mobile Section for the past three years…

      Google Messages may gain features you didn't realize were absent

      Google appears to be enhancing Google Messages with the capability for users to mention others in group chats and to send links and QR codes. A report from 9to5Google indicates that a recent APK teardown of the latest beta version, 20250331_02_RC00, hints at the introduction of these features that some users may have overlooked in their group chats. You will be able to mention participants in the group chat to grab their attention for direct queries or comments related to ongoing discussions and receive notifications when someone mentions you. There will also be an option to snooze notifications for periods of one, eight, or 24 hours, or "Always." However, snoozing may not be available for specific group chats.

      At MWC 2025, Google confirmed that its experimental Project Astra assistant would begin a wider rollout in March. It appears that the feature is starting to reach users gradually, commencing with Android devices. One Reddit user shared a demo video showcasing a new “Share Screen With Live” option when the Gemini Assistant is activated. Additionally, the Gemini Live interface has added two new features for live video and screen sharing. Google has also informed The Verge that these features are now on the path to rollout. So far, Gemini has only offered contextual on-screen awareness through the “Ask about screen” function.

      Project Astra is the future of Gemini AI.

      Google Messages could soon enable YouTube viewing directly in chat

      Google seems to be preparing to reintroduce a popular feature in its Messages app: the YouTube miniplayer. After quietly discontinuing this feature last year, the company appears to be reconsidering, aiming for a more seamless method to share and watch videos directly within chats.