Google Photos app is about to take your video editing a step further. A hidden feature found in app version 6.90 hints at an upcoming video speed editor (via Android Authority). This means you’ll be able to ditch third-party apps and adjust video playback directly within Google Photos.

The video editor offers various speeds like 1/4x for super slow-mo or 4x for fast-forwarding. You can even choose to adjust the entire video or just a specific section, perfect for highlighting key moments. It’s still under development, so expect a more user-friendly icon instead of the current “1x” placeholder.

Additionally, future updates might allow you to fine-tune the speed of different parts within the same video for even more control.

This upcoming video speed editor marks a significant upgrade for Google Photos, making it a more comprehensive video editing tool. Keep an eye out for this update to add some fun and flexibility to your video editing experience.

Contacts app’s version 4.35 suggests that Google is working on a Besties Widget. The app’s forthcoming Besties Widget has the exact layout as the Favorite widget and shows starred contacts.

9to5Google spotted that Google Contacts for Android will soon get a new Besties Widget. Meanwhile, the APKTeardown has not revealed the functionality or widget design.

It is expected that the new Besties Widget will replace the Favorite widget. As of now, the widget hasn’t reached its functional stage, however, a future update to the app will bring significant development.

It is assumed that the widget’s development is currently in quite early phases. Recently, the Contacts app updated its individual contact widget with the ability to display notifications.

You can download the app from the Google Play Store for your Android device for free.

Google Messages will be updated with the ability to turn MMS into RCS chats. The company is preparing to make some major improvements in its messaging app. The development pops up amid Apple’s long-awaited RCS rollout to iMessage.

APKTeardown hints that Google Messages will update old cross-platform chats to RCS. Messages sent in group chats will automatically transform into RCS chats. Currently, the app turns the entire conversation into SMS and MMS if participants from iPhone and Android users.

Strings of code found in the Google Messages app suggest old conversations will be transformed into RCS. The feature is currently under development. However, the app’s latest Beta version brings references related to upgrading old chats. Flags needed to enable the feature:

• bugle.enable_mms_group_upgrade_ui_home_screen
• bugle.enable_mms_group_upgrade_ui_conversation_screen

Once deployed, the Google Messages app will inform users that “You’ve got upgraded chats.” It is also expected that the app will allow sharing of sharper photos with videos with reactions. Interestingly, iOS 18 Beta brings RCS to iPhone users, but a wider rollout is still awaited.

Code:

<string name=”upgraded_group_label”>Upgraded chat</string>
<string name=”group_upgrade_popup_title”>You’ve got upgraded chats</string>
<string name=”group_upgrade_popup_description”>Send sharper photos and videos with reactions — free over wifi. %1$s</string>
<string name=”group_upgrade_close_button_icon_description”>Close dialog</string>
<string name=”group_upgrade_about_rcs_link”>About cross-platform RCS chats</string>