
Google Messages finally gets proper unsend functionality with ‘Delete for everyone'
Over the years, Google Messages has picked up features that elevate its status to a deserving Apple Messages substitute. The latest addition, allowing you to fully unsend messages, is now reaching a breadth of Android users, saving them the pain of awkwardness of wrongly sent texts.
After previewing the 'Delete for everyone' feature in its Messages app, Google is releasing it to people beyond the beta testing tribe. As expected, the functionality allows senders of the message to delete it for all parties in a peer-to-peer or a group chat and replaces older functionality where deleted messages would still appear for others.
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The Delete for everyone functionality was spotted by a Redditor with a username seeareeff (via 9to5Google), but they did not specify which version of Google Messages you need to get it working. We could not activate it at our end despite updating the app to the latest version, suggesting this might be a server-side switch.
Notably, these changes will only apply to messages and chats over RCS — a relatively modern internet-based messaging protocol that Google hopes, but has trouble budging Apple, to replace traditional SMS. That means everyone in the chat must have RCS enabled, which is anyway necessary if you want to enjoy features like message reactions or typing indicators, to enjoy the functionality. You must also update Google Messages to the latest version, else deleted messages may still appear for some folks.
Besides chats with others who use Google Messages, the cross-platform nature of RCS means that it should, in theory, also work seamlessly with Apple Messages. This is because Apple recently adopted RCS along with its own iMessage protocol for the Messages app. One requisite, however, is the other people must have updated their iPhone or iPad to iOS 18. It's still not fool-proof, though, since RCS may require setting up for some people (from Google Messages' settings) and may not be supported by every telecom carrier.
With Google Messages now adopted as the de-facto messaging app for Android, we can expect Google to push for aggressive standardization.

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But when Apple released iOS 18.1 in November, the tech giant made it easy to make your messages safe for the workplace or to make them sound a little more formal. When Apple released iOS 18.1, it brought writing tools to some iPhones as part of Apple Intelligence These tools can proofread your message before you send it or revise your message to make it sound more professional. Before you send your revised message you should still read over it once to make sure that Apple Intelligence's changes make sense in context. – Zach McAuliffe, services and software writer 👉 See: How to Proofread, Edit and More With Apple Intelligence Use AI to be more productive AI can't do your job for you, but you could use it to streamline your day so you have more time for important work. 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Also, be sure not to put any sensitive or personally identifiable information into a chatbot, just in case there's ever a data breach. – Corinne Reichert 👉 See: Job Hunting With AI: 7 Techniques We Tried and How to Use Them Check for plagiarism with AI If you're a teacher, you've likely received essays that read too safe and predictable, as if a machine was trying to emulate how people write. For good reason: There's a chance it was written by AI. It's happening in job applications, emails and blog posts, too. The phenomenon exploded after ChatGPT's debut in 2022. So you need to be on the lookout, but also be careful not to accuse people of using AI without some evidence. Luckily, there are AI plagiarism-checkers, some free and some paid, that can help. One that stands out to me is Copyleaks, which has been around since 2015. 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From there, you can tap or circle what you'd like to remove. You can even pinch to zoom in and get closer, if there's something smaller you'd like to eliminate. And voila! You've got an Instagram-ready, distraction-free shot. – Abrar Al-Heeti, senior reporter 👉 See: How to Remove Distractions From Your Holiday Photos Using Apple's Clean Up Tool Fix a weird or wonky AI image So, you've generated an image using AI, and it's just… not quite right. A weird flub in the background, a disappearing element, a person with three legs and 14 fingers — despite constant advancements, AI image generators aren't perfect. Mistakes (or hallucinations) like these are headaches I've had to deal with many times while testing and reviewing different AI generators. There's not one specific reason why your image didn't come out quite right, but I recommend starting at the beginning. Revisit your prompt to make sure it's addressing everything you want, and take out any conflicting instructions. Try not to use too many post-generation editing tools. Less is more. If that still isn't working, it might be time to start from scratch or even pick a different service. – Katelyn Chedraoui 👉 See: Learn From My Worst AI Images and Fix These Biggest AI Fails Digging deeper Remove or reduce AI features on your Samsung Galaxy phone It's almost impossible to find a new phone that doesn't tout AI features. Unlike the Pixels and the iPhones of the world, Samsung gives you a lot of extra... everything. From preinstalled bloatware to its own app store that allows you extend the functionality of your phone, it's a lot. With so many features packed into Galaxy S phones, you may want to draw a line when it comes to AI. Until it becomes less gimmicky, at least. Luckily, Samsung also makes it fairly easy to turn off its built-in AI features — something we'd love to see Google allow you to do on its Pixel lineup. But it's not just about turning AI off. You can be selective about what AI features you want and turn off the ones you don't. In this sense, Samsung's "extra-ness" pays off. If you're an iPhone user, you have your own set of options for turning off Apple Intelligence. – Blake Stimac, How To Writer 👉 See: How to Turn Off AI on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone, or at Least Rein It In Find info using Circle to Search Ever see something on your phone and wish you could just Google it, without having to leave the app that you're in? That's exactly what Circle to Search does. On your compatible Android phone, all you need to do is press and hold the home button, draw a quick circle around whatever caught your eye, and boom — Google gives you all the details you need. It's great for quick product lookups, translating text, or just settling those "what is that?" moments. It started on newer phones, like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8, but it's since rolled out to older models like the Galaxy S21 and Pixel 6. There's also a similar feature available in Google Chrome for the iPhone, in case you're team Apple. – Nelson Aguilar 👉 See: Google Brings Circle to Search-Like Feature to the iPhone in Its Google and Chrome Apps Use AI to spice up your photos on the Google Pixel 9 While the Pixel 9 series of phones pack superb cameras, the baked-in AI image editing tools let you easily take things further by adding or removing items from the frame. Start by opening an image in the library, then tap Edit, then tap the multicolored image icon tucked in the bottom left corner of the screen. This will bring up the AI-based Magic Editor. In the tool, you can now tap on areas of your image — the sky, for example — or draw circles around certain objects to select them and then tap Reimagine. This will bring up a text box allowing you to type in your prompts of what you want to see. 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Top iPhone Deals: Put the Best Phone of 2025 in Your Pocket for Free
From the budget-friendly iPhone SE to the cutting-edge iPhone 16 Pro Max, there's an iPhone out there for every need and budget. But no matter which model you're looking to get your hands on, there's a good chance you can pick it up for less if you know where to look. Carriers and retailers are almost always offering some serious savings in the form of trade-in offers and new line discounts, and we've broken down some of the best bargains available below. CNET's Adam Oram has spent years tracking down and sharing the best deals from across the internet to help shoppers get the best savings, and he's found the latest iPhone offers to help you get your preferred model at a competitive price. You'll find solid discounts on premium models like the feature-packed iPhone 16 Pro Max, alongside offers on more affordable options like the new iPhone 16E. Some carriers still offer devices at no cost if you qualify. Keep in mind that direct discounts are relatively scarce and most offers listed will require either trading in a device or activating a line. Most deals also require a commitment to a 24- or 36-month contract. Below you'll find the best deals on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16E, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 2022, grouped by generation. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. There are a lot of savings to be had on all the models in Apple's latest iPhone 16 lineup, including carrier deals that can nab you the device free if you have an older device to turn in. Trading in your old phone at Apple could save you up to $650 on any iPhone 16 model. Previous-gen iPhones will net the biggest discount but Apple also accepts devices from Samsung, Google and OnePlus. You'll also get 3% cash back if you buy it with your Apple Card*. If you let Apple connect you to a carrier, you could save up to $1,000 in trade-in credit. See at Apple T-Mobile is offering many trade-ins and new-line discounts on the iPhone 16 series. Exchanging your old phone will save you up to $1,000 if you have an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan, which scores you the basic iPhone 16, 16 Plus or 16 Pro free. People on an Experience More or Go5G Plus plan can get up to $830 off when they trade in an old device, which still scores you a free basic iPhone 16. Those on most other plans will get up to $300. T-Mobile is also offering savings when you switch your number over from another eligible carrier. Switching to an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan will save you $1,000 and an Experience More or Go5G Plus plan will save you $830. You can also save $830 with a new line and a trade-in. There also are special offers for military members, first responders and folks older than 55. See at T-Mobile AT&T is offering some serious trade-in savings at the moment. You'll get $1,000 off for phones valued at $290 or more, $830 off for phones valued at $130 or more and even phones valued at just $35 will still score $350 in trade-in credit. Note that you must switch to an eligible unlimited plan to get these offers and the discount will be applied as bill credits over 36 months. AT&T is also offering a special online-only offer of $200 off with the activation of a line. See at AT&T Adding a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan at Verizon will save you $830 on the basic iPhone, $930 on the iPhone 16 Plus, $1,000 on the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,200 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which means you can get all four models free right now. You can also get up to $1,000 off with a new line and an eligible trade-in. Discounts are applied as bill credits over 36 months. See at Verizon Best Buy isn't carrying any unlocked iPhone 16 models right now but is offering some savings through AT&T or Verizon. AT&T customers can save up to $830 on the basic iPhone 16 or up to $1,000 on the 16 Pro and Pro Max models with a trade-in and qualified activation. If you're a Verizon customer, an eligible trade-in and qualified activation could save you up to $930 on the basic 16 and 16 Plus or $1,000 on the 16 Pro and Pro Max. See at Best Buy Target is offering up to $830 off the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus or $1,000 off the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max with an eligible trade-in. Just note that you'll have to visit your local Target store in person and sign up with AT&T to take advantage of these offers See at Target The new budget-friendly iPhone 16E is now available and there are plenty of iPhone 16E deals for those wanting to save on Apple's newest member of the family. When you trade in an eligible device, Apple offers savings on the new iPhone 16E. Trading in an old phone could save you up to $650, which can potentially score you the basic 128GB model free. However, that discount is only available if you're trading in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which would be a bit of a downgrade. For the iPhone 14 series, the most you'll save is $460, which is still a solid deal for this affordable model. Note that the older your phone is, the less you will potentially receive for a trade-in device. Apple phones also earn more than Samsung or Pixel devices. See at Apple If you order the iPhone 16E at Best Buy and sign up with a carrier, there are ways to save. A qualified activation with Verizon and a trade-in of your old or damaged phone will save you up to $600. If you're an AT&T customer, a qualified activation on an eligible unlimited installment plan can save you up to $384, which drops the starting price to just $6 per month. Discounts will be delivered via bill credits over 36 months. See at Best Buy Customers can order the new iPhone 16E at T-Mobile and there are a few ways to save. If you're trading in an old phone, you can get it free if you're on an Experience More, Experience Beyond, Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan, while those on most other plans will save up to $300. Adding a line on most plans will save you $240, which reduces the price to $15 per month. You can also get it free with a new line and a trade-in or when you switch your number from another carrier. There are also several special offers for military members, first responders and people 55 and older. See at T-Mobile Verizon is offering $420 off the iPhone 16E when you sign up for a line on the Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan, which drops the price down to $5 per month. You can also save up to $600 with an eligible trade-in and activation of a new unlimited line, which scores you the 128GB model free. See at Verizon AT&T is offering up to $384 off the iPhone 16E when you purchase it on an installment plan, as long as you have (or switch to) an eligible unlimited plan. That reduces the starting price to just $6 per month with no trade-in required. You'll receive the discount via 36 monthly bill credits. See at AT&T US Cellular is offering many ways to save on the iPhone 16E. Activating a line or account on a qualifying line will save you up to $830, which scores you the 128GB or 256GB model free. You can also get the 512GB model free with a new line and an eligible trade-in. US Cellular is also offering $350 off with a new prepaid line and the port-in of an existing number, which drops the starting price to $250. See at US Cellular Order your iPhone 16E at Boost Mobile and sign up for the Unlimited Premium plan ($60 a month), and you can snag a new iPhone for as little as $300. You can also pay full price for the phone upfront, which gets you a free year of service. See at Boost Mobile You can order the iPhone 16E from Walmart for $549 or a little more than $15 per month for 36 months with an eligible activation with AT&T. See at Walmart The iPhone 15 series hit shelves in September 2023. And although the phones in this lineup are a generation old, they still have plenty to offer, with the basic model even retaining a spot on our list of the best phones. Plus, it's pretty easy to get your hands on one of these previous-gen models for less right now, which makes them a good value for Apple users on a budget. Apple isn't offering any direct discounts on the iPhone 15 series at the moment but it has a trade-in program that can save you hundreds on a new iPhone 15. Technically, you can save up to $650 but that's only if you're trading in another iPhone 15, which is an unlikely scenario. For the iPhone 14 series and older, the most you'll save is $460. The iPhone Upgrade Program or Apple Card financing (and cash back) are also options. See at Apple AT&T is offering discounts in the form of monthly bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 15 on an installment plan. People who have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan can get the basic iPhone 15 for just $8 per month, which is $442 off the usual price. This offer also knocks $384 off the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which drops it to just $21 per month. The iPhone 15 Pro is also discounted but only the 1TB model is still in stock, which is available for $31 per month. At the moment, there aren't any discounts available on the iPhone 15 Plus. See at AT&T Adding a line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan gets you the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus free, with no trade-in required. These discounts are applied in the form of monthly bill credits over 36 months. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are currently sold out. See at Verizon The iPhone 15 Pro is sold out at T-Mobile, but there are plenty of ways to score some savings on the other models. Trading in an old phone will save you up to $1,000 if you're on an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan, which will net you the basic iPhone 15 or 15 Plus free. If you're on an Experience More or Go5G Plus plan, you can save up to $830 with an eligible trade-in, which still gets you the basic iPhone 15 or 15 Plus free. Those on other eligible rate plans will only save up to $300 with an eligible trade-in. You can also get it free with a trade-in and the activation of a line. T-Mobile even offers a discount of $630 when you switch your existing number over from another carrier. And military members, first responders and people older than 55 can take advantage of special offers for up to $800 off. See at T-Mobile Best Buy isn't offering any direct discounts at the moment but the retailer has a trade-in program where you can exchange your old phone for savings. You can also save an extra $100 if you connect your phone to a carrier. And all iPhone 15 purchases come with some freebies, including two free months of Apple TV Plus and three free months of Apple Fitness Plus, Apple Music and Apple Arcade -- as long as you're a new or returning subscriber. See at Best Buy The iPhone 14 series is still a popular line of phones and comprises the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and top-spec iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple discontinued the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max in September 2023 so finding these phones in new condition is getting tougher but they're still a solid value when you can find them in stock and on sale. Only the basic iPhone 14 is still available at T-Mobile. You can snag one free with an eligible trade-in, as long as you're on an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. Those on other eligible rate plans can save up to $300 with a trade-in. You can also get it free with a new line and trade-in, or when you switch your number over from another carrier. If you're only activating a new line on a qualifying plan, you'll still save 50% (up to $315). T-Mobile also has exclusive offers for military members, first responders and people older than 55. See at T-Mobile AT&T isn't offering any direct discounts or special offers on the iPhone 14 right now, but you can save with an eligible trade-in. You'll also save $200 on a line when you set it up online. AT&T is also offering $100 off when you buy a connected device with a separate line, including a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. If you switch over to AT&T, the carrier will give you up to $800 to break your contract with your current phone service provider. See at AT&T Add a line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan and you can get the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus free at Verizon. The discount comes in bill credits over 36 months and there's no trade-in required. Note that Verizon is only carrying certified refurbished models of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, although you can still pick them up at a discount with a new line. See at Verizon Best Buy isn't offering any discounts on the iPhone 14. However, the retailer has its own trade-in program where you can score extra savings of up to $330 in exchange for your old phone. You can also save an extra $100 if you let Best Buy help you connect your phone to a carrier. Best Buy isn't carrying any new 14 Pro or Pro Max phones, although it does have some refurbished models. See at Best Buy The iPhone 13 may not be Apple's flagship series anymore but these are still solid phones worth considering -- especially for folks on a tight budget. Like the iPhone 14 series, these 2021 models are getting pretty tough to find in new condition and there are no active deals right now. If the new $599 iPhone 16E is a little outside your budget, don't worry. You can still find the even more affordable iPhone SE, which was updated in 2022. You can grab it for as low as $149 if you get it prepaid from Straight Talk or free when you switch your number over to Total Wireless. With this discount, it's the most affordable iPhone on the shelves right now, although it's getting pretty tough to find it in stock. Many of us here at CNET have covered deals on top tech for more than five years, including cell phone deals from brands like Apple, Google, OnePlus and Samsung. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals from trustworthy retailers and carriers to simplify the phone-buying process. We look for direct discounts, trade-in offers and other bonuses offered for unlocked and carrier phones when choosing the best deals for you to score the best deal and avoid online shopping scams. *All information about the Apple Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.