The Android SMS application is undergoing a number of changes as the RCS protocol becomes more widespread. New features that add richness and dynamism to conversations.
When we talk about text chats, we don’t necessarily think of Google Messages first. The default application on Android for managing SMS and MMS has fallen into disuse with the democratization of applications such as WhatsApp, Signal and Messenger.
But now, the RCS is now well installed, and it is fashionable to make users want to use the applications that use it.
Read in the lines of… code
If you use Google Messages for anything other than receiving notifications and spam, you’ve probably noticed: things have changed a lot over the past several months. When SMS protocol or MMS systems give way to RCS, the in-app experience changes dramatically. So much so now that Android users would almost no longer have to be ashamed of those who prefer the iPhone and iMessage.
One of the notable features of this protocol is the ability to react to messages. We’re used to this on online instant messaging services, and Google Messages has also allowed it for a while now using a long press on a chat bubble. It is this functionality in particular which should see a small evolution in the coming times.
Indeed, our colleagues from 9to5Google examined the app’s APK and discovered new lines of code. These suggest that Google is working on a new way to respond: by double-clicking (or double-tapping) a message. Nothing revolutionary however, since it is an interaction already common on many services, such as Messenger or Instagram.
A welcome development
We don’t know when this feature will appear on the app. The company hasn’t said anything about this, and the APK in question concerns a beta version of Google Messages. 9to5Google was also unable to precisely describe how it works: will this interaction display a heart, a thumbs up, a pre-configured emoji, or the last one used?
Although trivial, this kind of small innovation could make Messages more interesting by simplifying the possible interactions in conversations. Above all, this would allow users to use reflexes acquired elsewhere over the years. A welcome improvement as Google is working a lot on its application at the moment, opting for encryption or improving media sharing, for example.
Second discovery of 9to5Google in its exploration of the APK: Bard was replaced by Gemini, the new name of the firm’s AI tool, in the lines of code. A reminder that the integration of generative artificial intelligence in Google Messages should not take too long to become popular.
Download
- The app is free to download.
- You can write messages in groups.
- It fits perfectly into Google’s software ecosystem.
Messages by Google gives you the ability to send SMS and MMS from your Android smartphone. Just install the app, and you can send messages to your loved ones. You can send SMS and MMS to your friends, family, one person or an entire group at the same time.
Messages by Google gives you the ability to send SMS and MMS from your Android smartphone. Just install the app, and you can send messages to your loved ones. You can send SMS and MMS to your friends, family, one person or an entire group at the same time.
Source : 9to5Google
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