Google Messages may soon let you invite friends with a link

Google Messages is a solid app, but it’s still playing catch-up with some fancier messaging tools out there. Good news, though—some exciting updates might be on the way! A sneak peek from a test version of the app hints at fresh features that could make chatting even better.
According to Android Authority, a new option called “join via link” has popped up in the beta version (20250311_01_RC00). It’s not working yet, but it’s pretty clear what it’s for: letting people join group chats with just a simple link. Right now, adding folks to a group chat means doing it one by one, so this would be a huge time-saver.
There’s more! The group chat info page might soon get a pencil icon. This could let you swap out the group’s picture with something you like. Google’s been tinkering with custom group images since December, and it’s looking more likely now.
The app is also testing a new look for picking contacts when you forward a message. Each contact will sit in its little box, with your frequent contacts up top under “Recent conversations,” followed by the rest in alphabetical order. It’s similar to how things are now but fresher, matching a recent update to the “Start chat” screen.
Your profile page might get a splash of color, too. The four icons under your contact photo—for voice calls, video calls, contacts, and search—could soon match your phone’s system colors in this beta. Finally, if you love GIFs, there’s a small but handy change. Tap the “+” button in a chat, pick a GIF, and soon you’ll be able to long-press it to report anything weird or out of place. These features are still in testing, so there’s no promise they’ll hit the main app anytime soon. But stuff like the group chat link could really shake things up, so fingers crossed we see them roll out before long!
Android
Android 15 grows slowly, while Google brings new AI tools to search and creators

Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
Alphabet’s earnings rise in Q1 2025 with help from ads and AI growth

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, shared its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, showing strong growth thanks to advertising and its AI efforts.
From January to March 2025, Alphabet earned $80.5 billion in revenue, which is up 15% compared to the same period last year. Net profit reached $23.7 billion, a big jump from $15 billion in Q1 2024.
Google’s advertising business played a major role in this success. YouTube ads brought in $8.1 billion, growing 21% year over year. Meanwhile, Google Search made $46.2 billion, showing steady demand.
Google Cloud also performed well, making $9.6 billion, a 28% increase from last year. Profits for the Cloud division came in at $900 million, compared to $191 million in the same quarter last year.
Alphabet also announced a major stock buyback plan worth $70 billion. This move usually helps increase shareholder value by reducing the number of shares on the market.
CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the company’s focus on AI, especially tools like Gemini, which are now used in Google products and services. He said AI is a key part of Google’s future and will continue to shape its products.
Overall, Alphabet started 2025 strong, with solid earnings across ads, cloud, and AI — proving its business is still growing in the right direction.
Google Photos gets new quick edit tool, while Google Maps shows off new design on Android

Google is rolling out two helpful updates for its popular apps — Google Photos and Google Maps — aiming to make things faster and easier for Android users.
First, Google Photos is introducing a new “Quick Edit” feature that lets you quickly tweak your photos without fully opening the edit menu. A small pencil icon now appears at the bottom of each photo. Tapping it brings up suggested edits powered by AI, letting you apply improvements with just one tap. This tool is especially handy for small fixes like lighting or color adjustments. While it’s starting to roll out, not everyone will see it immediately. Some changes might still open the full editor depending on the photo.
At the same time, Google Maps is testing a fresh look for its place sheets — the bottom panel that shows up when you tap on a location. The new design includes more rounded corners, a cleaner layout, and easier access to options like directions, saving, or sharing a place. This redesigned panel also keeps the location’s name, rating, and category in clearer view. It feels more modern and easier to navigate.
Both updates are gradually rolling out, so it might take a little time before they reach all Android users. These changes show Google’s ongoing efforts to make its apps more user-friendly and visually appealing.
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