Google Messages has recently introduced a suite of enhancements aimed at improving user experience and functionality. These updates encompass new features, design overhauls, and security improvements, reflecting Google’s commitment to evolving its messaging platform.
@Mentions in Group RCS Chats
A notable addition is the ability to use @mentions within group RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats. This feature allows users to directly address specific individuals in a group conversation, ensuring that the mentioned person receives a notification, even if they have muted the group. This functionality enhances communication clarity and ensures important messages are not overlooked.
Image Remixing with Nano Banana
Google Messages now offers an innovative Remix feature powered by the Nano Banana model. Users can long-press on an image within a conversation or select a new one to send, and then tap the Remix button located in the bottom-left corner. This allows for creative transformations of images through user-generated prompts. Initially, this feature is available in English-speaking regions, including Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Users should note that there is a daily limit on image generations per user.
Enhanced Security with MLS Encryption
Security has been bolstered with the integration of the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, as part of Universal Profile 3.0. This advancement facilitates end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for cross-platform RCS communications, including those between Android and iOS devices. Users can verify the encryption status of their conversations by long-pressing a message and accessing the redesigned Details page. In this section, the Encryption Protocol value indicates the type of encryption in use: 0 for the existing E2EE and 1 for the new MLS protocol.
Redesigned Image Viewer
The image viewing experience within Google Messages has undergone a significant redesign. Images sent simultaneously are now grouped together within the conversation thread, providing a more organized display. The fullscreen image viewer features a blurred background and previews of adjacent images, enhancing visual appeal. Additionally, users can now react to images directly from a new bottom row of controls, streamlining interactions.
Updated Read Receipts
Read receipts have been revamped for improved clarity. The new design places read receipts within a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Users can swipe left to view all timestamps and the end-to-end encryption status, or swipe right to reply or quote a message. This update provides a more intuitive understanding of message statuses.
Tweaked Camera and Gallery Icons
A subtle yet functional change has been made to the camera and gallery icons within the text input field. The gallery icon has been simplified by removing the corner camera overlay, resulting in a cleaner interface. This adjustment aligns with the overall design language of the app and enhances user experience.
Redesigned Account Menu
The account menu in Google Messages has been overhauled to adopt a fullscreen design. This menu provides access to Settings, Your Profile, Archived Messages, Spam & Blocked Messages, Mark All as Read, and Device Pairing options. The previous overlay design has been replaced, offering a more cohesive and user-friendly navigation experience.
Spam Link Detection
To enhance user security, Google Messages now includes a spam link detection feature. If a message is suspected to be spam, the app will warn users when they attempt to click on any links within it, preventing access to potentially harmful websites. This feature is available globally, and users have the option to mark messages as not spam if they believe the warning is unwarranted.
Key Verifier for Enhanced Security
The Key Verifier tool has been introduced to help protect users from scammers who may attempt to impersonate known contacts. This feature allows users to verify the identity of the other party through public encryption keys. These contact keys are presented as QR codes, accessible via the Google Contacts app. In Google Messages, users can navigate to the Details page and tap Verify encryption to access or scan a contact’s QR code. This verification process adds an extra layer of security to user communications.
Material 3 Expressive Redesign
Google Messages has embraced the Material 3 Expressive design language, bringing a refreshed aesthetic to various parts of the app. The homepage now features a unified container for the main list, with larger contact photos for a less dense appearance. The app and status bars are joined, providing a cleaner look. Additionally, the chat interface has been updated, with message threads placed in containers with curved corners, and the app bar featuring phone and video calling shortcuts, as well as the overflow menu. The bubbly wallpaper has been replaced by a solid color, offering a more modern and cohesive design.
Expanded Text Field
Addressing user feedback, Google Messages has increased the text field limit from 4 lines to 14 lines. This expansion allows users to compose longer messages without the need to scroll, enhancing the drafting experience, especially when sharing lengthy URLs or detailed information.
Snooze Notifications and Delete for Everyone
New functionalities include the ability to snooze notifications for specific conversations and the option to delete messages for everyone in RCS chats. Users can long-press on a conversation to access the snooze option, choosing time increments of 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, or indefinitely. For message deletion, long-pressing on a sent message provides the choice to Delete for everyone, ensuring that the message is removed from all participants’ devices.
In-App Backup and Restore
Google Messages is developing an in-app Backup & Restore system, allowing users to back up their conversations, media, and more directly within the app. These backups are end-to-end encrypted and secured by the user’s screen lock. Conversations restore automatically when signing in, providing a seamless experience when switching devices or recovering data.
Conclusion
The recent updates to Google Messages demonstrate a concerted effort to enhance user experience through improved functionality, security, and design. From creative tools like image remixing to critical security features such as MLS encryption and Key Verifier, these enhancements cater to a wide range of user needs. The adoption of the Material 3 Expressive design language further modernizes the app’s interface, making it more intuitive and visually appealing. As these features continue to roll out, users can look forward to a more robust and secure messaging platform.
