Name: Google Messages just gave us the Android texting feature we've wanted forever
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Google Messages just gave us the Android texting feature we've wanted forever

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You can now schedule the exact minute a text message is sent, ensuring you never forget to say happy birthday to Mom again.Have you ever forgotten to send a happy birthday text message to a friend? Or had an idea in the middle of the night that you desperately wanted to share with a coworker but didn't want to wake them? The next time that happens, use ' new scheduling tool to pick the exact time and date you want to send a message.&nbsp;The text message scheduler is one of . Google recently of its apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant and .&nbsp;Power up your AndroidGet the latest news, how-to and reviews on Google-powered devices in CNET's Google Report newsletter.Before you can schedule a message, you'll need to have the latest version of Google Messages installed on your phone. Note that this feature will not work with your phone's default text message app, only Google Messages. If you don't know how to change your default messaging app, don't worry -- the first time you open Google Messages you'll be asked if you want to make the switch. The easiest way make sure you've got the latest version of Messages is to open the Play Store app go to My Apps and check for updates. (I have the new feature with Messages version 7.4.050.)&nbsp;Below I'll show you how to schedule a text message, including picking a custom send time and how to edit the message if you want to change anything.&nbsp;The first time you launch the Google Messages app and open a conversation after updating to the latest version, you'll see a small pop-up window appear over the Send button letting you know you can schedule messages. This is similar to what you see with .To schedule a text, start typing your message then long-press the Send button. I recommend picking the scheduled time before you fully compose your message, so you don't write out the message and accidentally send it.After you long-press on Send, you'll see a pop-up with preselected dates and times. You can go with one of those suggestions, or tap Pick date and time. That will open Android's date and time picker that lets you customize when the message will be sent, to the minute. (Handy if you want to wish someone happy birthday at the exact minute they were born.)Once you're done setting the time, tap Save.&nbsp;You can then finish writing out your message. You're not limited to scheduling only text messages, but you can also add pictures and videos. When you're done, tap the Send button, which should now have a small clock icon on top of the paper airplane.&nbsp;A scheduled message will appear in your conversation thread, however, it will have a clock next to it and a note that says Scheduled message underneath it. You can hide the message with a tap on Scheduled message if you prefer.&nbsp;To edit the message or the scheduled delivery time, tap the clock icon. A menu with three options will show up. Those options are update message, send now or delete message.&nbsp;Update message will let you edit the text or pick a different time. Send now will immediately send the message. Delete message will discard the text.&nbsp;Being able to schedule a message is a feature that's sure to be useful, especially if you often remember to send a message at an inconvenient time and then end up forgetting.&nbsp;Google Messages is a powerful text messaging app that has more tricks up its sleeve, like Google's Chat feature that adds . Android 12 was also recently announced, and there's a lot to . Or, if you're brave enough, .

You can now schedule the exact minute a text message is sent, ensuring you never forget to say happy birthday to Mom again.Have you ever forgotten to send a happy birthday text message to a friend? Or had an idea in the middle of the night that you desperately wanted to share with a coworker but didn't want to wake them? The next time that happens, use ' new scheduling tool to pick the exact time and date you want to send a message.&nbsp;The text message scheduler is one of . Google recently of its apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant and .&nbsp;Power up your AndroidGet the latest...

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Jason Cipriani

CNET, formerly Computer Network, is an American media website that publishes reviews, news, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos on technology and consumer electronics globally. Founded in 1994 by Halsey Minor and Shelby Bonnie, it was the flagship brand of CNET Networks and became a brand of CBS Interactive through CNET Networks' acquisition in 2008.

Google Messages just gave us the Android texting feature we've wanted forever

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