Google Messages may soon allow users to send high-quality images over RCS. The feature is currently said to be available for certain beta users. It is similar to the HD image-sharing option that WhatsApp offers, where a user can choose to send an image in a standard version with maximum compression or an HD option with lesser compression. In late 2023, Google added support for Ultra HDR images in the Messages app. Although it utilises more data, it delivers a higher-quality image. 

Google Messages HD Photo Sharing

Google Messages is testing a feature to allow users to share images with little to no compression, according to an Android Authority report. The report says that an HD and an HD+ option were spotted in the Photo Picker of the app in the latest Messages beta (version messages.android_20241029_00_RC00.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic). 

With the HD option, users will be able to share images faster with reduced quality, while the HD+ option will allow Messages users to share an image in its original quality, with no compression. However, the latter will also use more data than the former and will take a relatively longer time to send.

Once the users select the resolution that they want to share the image in, the icon for the same will appear on the bottom right of the image with a checkmark on it. The feature is expected to roll out to all Messages users soon.

Earlier this year, Google Messages introduced a feature that allows users to edit RCS messages up to 15 minutes after sending them. WhatsApp has a similar feature. Notably, as far as image sharing is concerned, WhatsApp supports only an HD option alongside the Standard one and does not include an HD+ option.

In September, Google also rolled out several features for the Messages app to improve user privacy and protect them from suspicious calls and messages.

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Google announced seven new Android features for applications such as Meet, Home, Messages and Wear OS on Thursday. One of the highlights of the latest Android feature drop is the ability to edit RCS messages up to 15 minutes after sending them. Unlike announcements made at Google I/O 2024 where several features were limited to Pixel smartphones, these features are expected to be available to Android devices across devices and regions, although some features may be limited based on the region a user lives in.

RCS Message Editing

In a blog post, Google announced that it is bringing a feature that lets users edit RCS messages up to 15 minutes after sending them. This feature is said to be available via Google Messages – the company’s text messaging app.

To edit a message, tap and hold on a sent RCS message and a new edit icon will be displayed on the top banner. Users can tap on the icon to modify their message, as long as it was sent within the last 15 minutes, according to the company.

Instant Hotspot and Device Switching

Google says that it will soon bring an ‘instant hotspot’ feature that will enable users to connect a tablet or a Chromebook to an Android smartphone’s hotspot without needing to type in the password. It is also bringing an update to Cross-Device Services that will let users switch between devices such as smartphones, web browsers or tablets for video calls.

Google claims that Android smartphones can now also be used as digital car keys with lock/unlock, vehicle start functionalities. The feature has been rolled out with support for select MINI models and will be expanded to Mercedes-Benz and Polestar vehicles soon.

Furthermore, the company says users can now control their smart devices using the Google Home Favorites widget on Android smartphones and the Google Home Favorites tile and complication on WearOS-powered smartwatches.

Google Wallet users using WearOS-powered smartwatches in the US and Germany can now make payments with PayPal, according to the company. Lastly, it says new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations will be rolling out soon, which can be shared as stickers by entering two emoji via Gboard.

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