It’s never a relaxing moment for the tech giant Google with different updates. Many app updates such as Discord and Messenger have been introducing the feature to edit messages. That ensures that users have better control over messaging. It seems that Google are also joining in this edit-messaging trend. According to the code identified by TheSpAndroid, Google are potentially working on a Google Messages editing feature that would enable users to edit a message after sending it.
Looking Into the Potential Google Messages Editing Feature
As reported by The SpAndroid, the most recent beta release of the Google Messages app, launched in the last week of November, includes code that suggests the potential development of a message editing feature, or say Google Messages editing feature. An APK teardown unveiled four flags in the beta version, namely bugle.enable_edit_ui, bugle.load_edit_history, bugle.process_outgoing_edits, and bugle.process_incoming_edits, indicating the possible existence of this feature.
In terms of the information gleaned from the code, the initial flag seems to pertain to the User Interface (UI) for the Google Messages editing feature. The second flag appears to indicate the ability to access a history of edits. Lastly, both the third and fourth flags seem to be associated with the processing of edits for both message senders and recipients.
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The Message Editing Trend
As mentioned in the beginning, the indication of this feature in development emerges as support for message editing becomes more prevalent in various messaging apps. Apple introduced the ability for iMessage users to edit sent messages with iOS 16 last year, and WhatsApp introduced a similar feature earlier in 2023. In both instances, there is a restricted timeframe for editing sent messages — 2 minutes for iMessage and 15 minutes for WhatsApp. Additionally, both services allow users to delete messages after sending them, although this feature doesn’t seem to be present in Google’s version.
The specific details of how the company’s implementation of the feature might function remain unclear. It’s uncertain if there will be a time constraint for editing messages or if recipients will have access to an edit history. However, a code snippet discovered by TheSpAndroid hints that the feature could integrate with the RCS messaging protocol, indicated by “original_rcs_messages_id”.
Besides, the recent influx of new features in these messaging apps including this Google Messages editing feature isn’t unexpected, given the heightened competition resulting from the widespread adoption of RCS. As reports suggest Apple are set to introduce RCS support to iOS in 2024, there is optimism that this will enhance cross-platform compatibility, allowing platforms to concentrate more on further development.
When Will This Google Messages Editing Feature Be Released?
For now, the code in the most recent beta version of Google Messages remains hidden behind flags and cannot be activated. Without an official statement from Google, there is no indication of when or if the tech giant will unveil this feature.
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Final Say
The possibility of a message editing feature in Google Messages is inferred from observations by TheSpAndroid based on the available codes. The expectation is that this editing feature, valued for providing convenience and enhanced control in messaging, will likely be introduced soon. The anticipation is fueled by the trend of messaging apps incorporating this favourable editing feature. However, until an official announcement is made by Google, the realisation of this Google Messages editing feature for users remains uncertain. To stay informed, it is recommended to continue monitoring updates from Google. Follow us for the latest news from Google.
While awaiting an official announcement from Google regarding the potential feature in Google Messages, you might be interested in exploring the latest significant news from Google, which includes the launch of Gemini last week. For more information, refer to this article.