Google will soon enable users to erase sent messages for all recipients.
Loosening the Leash on Chat Apps:
Times have changed, and gone are the days when sending a message meant it was set in stone. Nowadays, we're blessed with technology that can save us from those cringe-worthy mistakes or misdirected messages. A multitude of chat apps offer the option to edit or even delete a message, ensuring our digital footprints remain clean.
However, one significant player has been holding out – Google Messages. Till now, you could only edit a message for up to 15 minutes, but deleting it was never an option. But fear not, times are a-changin'. In February, 9to5Google spotted the long-awaited "Delete for everyone" option making a cameo. And it seems the feature is finally rolling out, albeit slowly but surely.
RCS, the messaging protocol that Google Messages now defaults to, has had this feature since last July's "Universal Profile 2.7" update, enabling users to "Edit, Recall and Delete [messages] that they sent earlier for themselves and the message recipient."
How "Delete for everyone" Changes the Game in Google Messages
When the feature eventually arrives in your Google Messages app, you'll have two deletion options at your disposal. The familiar "Delete for me" will work the same as always – it'll remove the message on your end, but not for others. But there's a new kid on the block – "Delete for everyone," which will erase the message for all users running a compatible version of Google Messages.
The twist? While the message will vanish from those running the updated, compatible version of Google Messages, it won't disappear from older app versions. It's a minor annoyance that seems to be the Achilles' heel of the feature, shared by most chat apps that offer it. The harsh reality is, you'll never know for sure whether your message was deleted unless everyone involved is running the latest, snazziest version of Google Messages.
As of now, the rollout seems to be targeted and slow, possibly to assess the feature's performance before a full-on release[2][3]. One lucky beta user has reportedly enjoyed the feature in a group chat of 12 participants, but it's yet to make an appearance in single chats[2][5]. So, if you can't wait to get your hands on the feature and don't mind a bit of risk, consider joining the Google Messages beta[5].
- Tech enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the long-awaited 'Delete for everyone' feature in Google Messages, as spotted by 9to5Google in February.
- This new addition to Google Messages will offer users two deletion options, including 'Delete for everyone', allowing messages to be erased for all users running a compatible version of the app.
- However, it's worth noting that this feature might not work as intended for older app versions, making it difficult to confirm whether a message has been fully deleted.
- If you're a tech tester who can't wait to try out this new messaging feature, you might consider joining the Google Messages beta program.
