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Android’s newest updates let you star important messages
June 10, 2025
You don’t have to wait untilAndroid 12to get a few new features for your phone. Google isrolling out an Android update collection that should be helpful across the board, particularly if you thrive in Messages and otherchat apps.
The centerpiece Android update lets you star texts in Messages to quickly find them later. If a friend shares an address or a favorite photo, you just have to press and hold on a message and star it. After that, you can visit the “starred” category to fetch that important chat snippet later. The feature should reach Messages in the “coming weeks.”
Another update will save you time searching for customEmoji Kitchen creationsto spice up your messages across apps. Gboard’s section for recently used Emoji Kitchen stickers will be available this summer to all of the keyboard’s users writing in English, Portugese, and Spanish.
Read more:The best texting and SMS apps for Android
The Android update bundle isn’t just focused on messages — others are literally hands-free. More apps will offer shortcuts for opening or searching just your voice, including Capital One and Strava. You can also secure Voice Access with gaze detection that makes sure it’s only working when you’re looking at the device. The technology is even smart enough to recognize password fields and let you input numbers and symbols, although you’ll probably want to avoid using that in public when possible.
Android Auto now has greater personalization, such as launcher customization from your phone, tabs in media options and a simpler setup. Electric vehicle charging, navigation, and parking apps are also usable. And yes, you can use Messages and other chat apps thanks to an Android Auto update deploying worldwide.
TheAndroid Earthquake Alerts Systemhas also reached the Philippines, Turkey, and several other countries.
As with most of these Android update bundles, the improvements to Messages and other apps won’t necessarily be earth-shattering. However, they’re all quality-of-life upgrades that could make your phone better on a day-to-day basis — it’s difficult to complain loudly.
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