Tech Desk
Aug 19, 2024
An undated image of Google Messages app. — Depositphotos
Google has numerous apps which offer many benefits to users. While the Google Messages app is one of the major apps, is testing many new features expected to launch soon.
However, it takes the Rich Communications Services or Suite (RCS)/ Short Message Service (SMS) client a rather long time to originally launch these abilities in stable even after they are announced.
According to different reports, the Alphabet-owned tech giant itself, and devices tested, this is the current state of Messages.
RCS photo with text caption redesign
In RCS conversations, the picture will be displayed first with the message joined together by curving the bottom corners of the text bubble to match the top of the photo.
Screen effects
They were initially previewed in late November and made an appearance at the beginning of this year, especially around Valentine’s Day but were pulled after that. As of July, there are:
- Booo: Tomatoes, with at least three o’s required
- Congratulations: Balloons and confetti
- Going to the beach: Waves, along with various objects
- Hahahaha: Tube man. Four ha’s required
- Rise and shine: The sun, is quite charming
Still rolling out (beta)
These are Message features that Google announced or have been noticed in the wild by beta users.
Gemini double FAB
As of late July, Gemini in Google Messages should be widely rolled out along with a small Gemini FAB above the “Start chat” floating action button. Google then launched a “Gemini in Messages” setting to disable it.
Read more: YouTube picture-in-picture mode support removed from Google Messages
Currently, the company is checking a new design where the two FABs are of equal length. This is still in the beta channel.
Camera face filters
Previously this year, Google Messages released a custom camera. There’s now a new button to the left of the shutter that opens to the front-facing camera, while the filters also work on the rear lens. You can click a picture or record a video (long-press on the shutter or switch to the tab) with filters. There are nine options, including one that removes wrinkles from under your eyes, adds glasses, and hats, and turns you into a bunny or dinosaur.
RCS editing
You will be given 15 minutes to edit an RCS message after sending it. Long-press it and tap the new pencil icon in the toolbar. There will be an “Edited” label afterwards while long-pressing the overflow menu for “View details” will display the original. Everyone in a conversation requires to have this feature turned on for it to work.
However, this feature isn’t available to most people yet Google announced it at the end of May.
Dual SIM RCS support
More than one SIM card will be shown as “Connected” in Settings > RCS chats. This will aid international RCS adoption. It started releasing in January but was later pulled, with more reports this August.
Read more: Google Messages now allows users to hide Gemini button
Read receipts redesign
The search engine giant is checking a redesign of read receipts that situates the checkmarks inside the message bubble. They are showcased at the right and are housed in a circle. For images, they are overlaid in the bottom-right corner.
Photo preview screen
After clicking an image using the inline camera, you’re taken to a new attachment screen instead of the image quickly appearing in the compose box. You receive a fullscreen preview with the ability to “Write a message…” “Send” is in the corner, along with “Add more” to take you back to the conversation and attach more. This intermediary screen is relatable to WhatsApp and other messaging apps.
