Google to update Messages on Android with new features: What to expect

Apple CEO Tim Cook has recently clarified that the company is not interested in fixing the ‘green bubbles’ texting experience in the coming days. So, in an effort to advocate for more widespread adoption of the RCS messaging protocol, Google has shared details about the upcoming changes that are coming to its Messages app on Android. These new features will also improve the messaging experience between Android and iOS.
Apart from this, Google is also updating the icons of the Messages, Phone and Contacts apps that are expected to blend in better with other first-party apps. Earlier, the tech giant updated the Messages app that allowed it to display iPhone text reactions as emojis. Later on, Google rolled out another update that allowed Messages users to react to iPhone SMS texts with emojis.

Google Messages update: What will change
Once RCS is enabled, Google Messages users will be able to respond to individual messages in group chats by swiping the particular message, just like in WhatsApp. This ability is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
Google is also planning to expand access to the Voice Message Transcription feature that is currently available only on Pixel 7 and Pixel Pro smartphones. These devices include — Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6A, Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. This feature auto-transcribes voice messages using machine learning and allows users to read the contents of a voice message.

Some other user-friendly features will also be added to Google Messages which include the ability to add reminders directly within the Messages app. Users who set reminders will also get a notification when they open Messages. The app will soon advise users to ‘star’ texts to keep a track of the important messages and will also allow users to schedule Meet calls and create Calendar events when required.
Messages will also get an in-app YouTube player that will allow users to open a video link directly on the app. In some countries, the company is also testing a new feature that will allow users to chat with businesses on Search and Maps from within the app.