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Tag: google messages

  • Google Messages Ends QR Code Pairing: What it Means for Your Web Setup

    Google Messages Ends QR Code Pairing: What it Means for Your Web Setup

    Google Messages is set to eliminate its QR code pairing feature for the web, opting instead for Google Account log-in as the sole method of access. The change will enhance the stability and functionality of the Google Messages for Web feature.

    Google Messages: An Evolution

    Google Messages for Web is a popular and convenient feature, allowing users to send and receive texts from their computers, thus eliminating the need to constantly check their phones. Up till now, the feature offered two ways to connect to a computer: scanning a QR code with a phone or logging in through a Google Account.

    The QR code method, which has been part of the feature since its launch, is quite straightforward. Users open the app and scan the QR code displayed on their computer screens. This method requires neither passwords nor accounts, simplifying the connection process.

    A Shift in The Connection Process

    However, Google has decided that the QR code pairing method is insufficient and will cease to be an option. Instead, Google Account log-in will become the only way to access the Messages feature on the web.

    While this change may seem like a minor adjustment, its impact is significant. When a Messages session is linked to a Google Account rather than just a phone, the connection becomes more stable. Currently, if a phone loses signal or restarts, the web session can be disrupted. However, account-based sessions are more resilient to these problems.

    Fostering Device-to-Device Continuity

    This modification aligns with Google’s recent focus on strengthening its apps around the Google Account. The tech giant is striving to achieve the seamless, device-to-device continuity Apple has enjoyed with iMessage for years. This shift in Google Messages for Web brings the feature closer to this goal, transforming it from a remote display for a phone into an independent application.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main change announced for Google Messages for Web?
    Google has decided to remove the option to access Google Messages for Web via QR code, shifting to Google Account log-in as the sole method of access.

    How does this change affect the stability of the Messages feature?
    When a Messages session is linked to a Google Account rather than a phone, the connection becomes more stable and resilient to disruptions like signal loss or phone restarts.

    What is the broader strategy behind this change?
    This change aligns with Google’s efforts to foster seamless, device-to-device continuity across its applications, similar to what Apple offers with iMessage.

  • Experience Effortless Chatting: Google Messages Launches Dynamic One-Hand Context Menu

    Experience Effortless Chatting: Google Messages Launches Dynamic One-Hand Context Menu

    In the latter part of last month, Google announced its intent to replace the Hamburger icon menu with a dynamic context menu. The aim was to streamline navigation for Google Messages users, particularly those with larger-screen phones. When the Google Messages app receives the dynamic context menu, users will no longer have to perform the finger gymnastics previously required to access the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.

    Rollout of the New Google Messages Menu

    The new menu format is now being deployed to the beta versions of the Google Messages app. Following the update, long pressing on a chat/message will activate the Reactions menu which appears at the top of the message. This allows users to quickly add a reaction. Below the message, however, is a vertical box presenting various options, some of which were previously only accessible by stretching to tap the hamburger icon in the far top-right corner of the screen.

    This new menu provides options such as:

    – Reply
    – Forward
    – Copy
    – Star
    – Delete
    – Select more
    – Info

    This simplification of Google Messages is certainly sufficient to make usage more convenient; there’s no need to strain your hand to reach certain features. To keep the vertical box as compact as possible, the app comprehends the context of the long-pressed message, and presents different options based on that context.

    Deleting Multiple Messages

    There have been some misconceptions about the new interface, with one user on Reddit believing that the redesign had removed the ability to delete multiple messages at once. In fact, this is not the case. To delete several messages, users simply need to long-press on the first message they wish to remove and then select ‘Select more’ from the vertical box. They can then scroll down to the next message they wish to delete and tap on it.

    A counter will be visible in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, indicating the number of messages selected for deletion. Once all desired messages have been selected, users just need to tap the trash can icon in the top right corner to remove them.

    Accessing the New Features

    I have personally been able to access this feature on my Pixel 6 Pro running the most recent Android 16 QPR3 Beta. However, it’s important to note that access to these features requires membership in the Google Messages Beta program. To confirm membership, users can open the Google Play Store app and search for the Google Messages listing. Those who are part of the beta program will see the word (Beta) in parentheses.

    Becoming a beta tester allows users to experience new features before the public and provide feedback to developers. However, availability is limited and those interested may not always see the “Join the beta” prompt. If it’s not visible, it’s recommended to check back later.

    Questions & Answers

    How can I access the new Google Messages menu?
    You can access the new menu by long pressing on a chat/message. This will activate the Reactions menu and the new dynamic context menu at the bottom of the message.

    Is the ability to delete multiple messages at once still available in the new menu?
    Yes, the ability to delete multiple messages hasn’t been removed. It’s simply accessed in a different manner. You need to long-press on the first message you want to delete, then select ‘Select more’ from the vertical options box. Then you can scroll to and select the other messages you wish to delete.

    How can I become a Google Messages beta tester?
    To join the Google Messages beta program, open the Google Play Store app and search for the Google Messages listing. If there is availability, you will see an option to “Join the beta”. It may take a few minutes to 24 hours to process the request. If you don’t see this option, there may not be any openings at the moment, so try again later.

  • Stay on Top of Your Chats: Google Messages Doubles its Pinned Conversations Limit

    Stay on Top of Your Chats: Google Messages Doubles its Pinned Conversations Limit

    A recent update to Google Messages now allows users to pin up to 20 conversations, twice the previous limit of 10. This change enables users to maintain handy access to more of their important chats, keeping them in view even as new messages come in.

    More Conversations at Your Fingertips

    Originally, Google Messages allowed users to pin just three conversations at the top of the messaging interface. This limit was subsequently increased to five, then ten, and it now stands at 20. While it may seem like a marginal update, it certainly comes as good news for those users who need to keep an eye on multiple critical conversations.

    The process to pin a conversation is straightforward. Users simply need to open the Messages app, press and hold on the relevant chat, and select the “Pin” option. The pinned chat will remain at the top of the conversation list, regardless of incoming messages.

    A Modest, yet Significant Upgrade

    Despite having billions of users worldwide, Google Messages continues to undergo incremental improvements. While the latest update may not seem substantial, it might prove to be quite beneficial for users dealing with a high volume of chats.

    However, pinning 20 conversations might start to make the list seem lengthy. The possibility arises that newer messages could be pushed farther down the list, potentially causing users to overlook important communications. This could somewhat undermine the very purpose of pinning conversations.

    Continuous Evolution of Google Messages

    Google has been introducing frequent updates to its Messages app. While each feature in isolation may not seem significant, their collective impact is giving the app a more feature-filled feel.

    Recent updates include the introduction of user profiles, screen effects, custom bubbles, reaction effects, and Gemini AI integration. Now, with the additional pinned chats, Google Messages seems to be drifting away from its original minimalist design. Although not all users might need or appreciate this increasing complexity, it’s clear that Google is committed to continuously enhancing the app’s functionality.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new update to Google Messages?
    The latest update to Google Messages allows users to pin up to 20 conversations, a significant increase from the previous limit of 10.

    How can users pin a conversation in Google Messages?
    To pin a conversation, users need to open the Messages app, press and hold on the desired chat, and select the “Pin” option. The chosen chat will then stay at the top of the conversation list, regardless of incoming messages.

    What other features has Google added to Messages recently?
    Google has introduced several new features to Messages recently, including user profiles, screen effects, custom bubbles, reaction effects, and Gemini AI integration.

  • Revolutionizing User Interaction: Google Messages Gears Up for Context-Dependent Menus

    Revolutionizing User Interaction: Google Messages Gears Up for Context-Dependent Menus

    In 2009, the HTC HD2 was launched with a 4.3-inch display, which at the time was considered to be the maximum size for a smartphone screen. The HD2 was powered by the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system and was applauded for its visually-appealing home screen. For its time, the 4.3-inch screen was considered enormous, with many analysts predicting that smartphone displays would not get any larger.

    Rise of the Phablet

    However, by 2011, Samsung shattered this belief with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Note. The device was equipped with a 5.3-inch screen, effectively creating a new category of phones known as “phablets”. The term phablet, a portmanteau of phone and tablet, was coined to describe these larger devices. As the size of Android screens continued to grow, it became increasingly challenging to operate certain apps single-handedly due to the positioning of the app’s elements on a larger screen. Google Messages is one such app.

    The Problem with Large Screens

    Operating these larger phones with one hand can be a struggle, unless, perhaps, one has hands as large as those of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. In particular, reaching the hamburger menu in the upper right corner of the screen can be quite a stretch. This inconvenient design left many users at risk of straining their hands.

    A New Solution from Google

    In response, Google seems to be ready to replace the hamburger menu on Google Messages with a more user-friendly context menu. This new feature will allow users to access any critical aspect of the app from anywhere in the chat. At present, users must reach the top of the screen to access essential buttons, such as the delete button, by long-pressing a message.

    With the proposed change, a long press on an open chat will show reactions, and tapping the hamburger icon will provide access to options such as Reply, Share, Forward, and View Details. Furthermore, the context menu will dynamically adjust depending on the selected message.

    Enhanced User Experience

    The positioning of these options right under the chat will make it easier for users to select an option without needing to stretch their fingers too far. The new user interface will also make it clearer which chats have been selected. When multiple messages are chosen, a checkmark will appear on the selected messages, simplifying the selection and deselection process.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the screen size of the HTC HD2 launched in 2009?
    The HTC HD2 had a screen size of 4.3 inches.

    What is a phablet?
    A phablet is a category of phones that are larger than traditional smartphones but smaller than tablets. The term is a portmanteau of ‘phone’ and ‘tablet’.

    What changes is Google planning to make to Google Messages?
    Google is planning to replace the hamburger menu in Google Messages with a context menu, making it easier for users to access critical features of the app from anywhere within a chat.

  • Google Messages group conversations are about to become so much merrier

    Google Messages group conversations are about to become so much merrier

    The more people there are in a group chat, the more fun it is, but Google Messages’ current way of adding new contacts is quite tedious. Google is apparently working to make it easier to grow your group chats.

    Code in the latest beta version of Google Messages for Android hints that in the future, you might be able to join group chats using links, similar to how you can on WhatsApp.

    Android Authority, which came across this feature, was not able to activate it, which might suggest it could be a while before actually see it in action.

    People often create work groups or class groups on messaging apps, and since the pool of people who could be added to such groups is quite large, it’s easy to unintentionally leave some people out. This could cause friction with them and most importantly, they might miss out on critical or time-sensitive messages. A “join via link” feature would address this.

    Other changes are seemingly also in store for the apps. To bring uniformity to the design, the forward message screen might be switched to a card-based interface. Earlier reports suggest that the search UI and the start chat screen will also get the same treatment.

    Some other minor tweaks were also spotted. The profile info screen has been slightly updated and features filled icons. There is a little pencil icon beside the group chat picture, to make it easier for you to change the group chat image.

  • Google Messages is testing an easier way to send multiple images

    Google Messages is testing an easier way to send multiple images

    Google Messages, the default messaging app for most Android devices, offers a reliable and consistent experience when sending text messages. However, compared to other messaging apps, it does lack in certain areas pertaining to multimedia, such as when sending multiple images at once. Thankfully, it looks like Google is working on improving this experience.

    Currently, sending an image from your gallery in Google Messages is a fairly simple process: tap the image attachment icon, pick your photo, and send. The app even has a built-in camera shortcut, so you can snap a photo on the fly. But for those in a rush, the workflow needs refinement. Each new photo requires you to reopen the attachment sheet, negating the time-saving benefits of the in-app camera.

    The latest Google Messages beta (version 20240318 openbeta_dynamic) brings a UI refresh designed for quicker image sharing. In this version, the preview screen of a newly snapped photo shows the biggest change. The button at the bottom right now says “Send,” cutting out an extra step for single images. The bottom left gains an “Add more” shortcut, reopening the attachment sheet for further selections or to use the camera again. This is far easier than saving to your camera roll.

    That said, this change does have its downsides. One curious omission in this beta is the “Edit” option for basic photo annotations. Knowing that the new UI is still being tested, we are hopeful that these tools will be restored prior to making it to the production phase. We need more features added, not taken away!

    Regardless of this small setback, this streamlining is a welcome change for Google Messages. With such broad testing, we can likely expect a stable release soon, potentially bringing back those missing editing tools. While not a huge change, it demonstrates Google’s continued efforts to refine the core messaging experience.

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  • You may soon be able to send Selfie GIFs in Google Messages

    You may soon be able to send Selfie GIFs in Google Messages

    Google appears to be working on an exciting addition to its messaging app, Google Messages. A hidden feature that allows users to send short 4-second videos in the form of GIFs, which would add a fun and dynamic element to their conversations, has been discovered.

    TheSpAndroid recently stumbled upon an interesting feature called Selfie GIFs that can be activated within the Google Messages app by simply long-pressing the camera icon. The feature is reportedly currently in development, and Google has not officially announced it yet.

    Once enabled and after long-pressing the camera icon, a new UI pops up with a rounded camera frame in the center. At the bottom, there is a camera switch button that allows users to switch between the front and rear cameras easily. Once the 3-second timer is up, the recording will kick off automatically.

    After it’s finished, users will be able to view the recorded video in a GIF format through a preview UI. At that point, users are faced with two choices: Reset or Send. Resetting the recording process can be done by pressing the designated button, while sharing the video as a rounded GIF is as simple as hitting the Send option. This is similar to the functionality currently found in Chromebooks’ camera app.

    Google has been actively developing and introducing new features to enhance its widely-used messaging app, Google Messages. In December, the company introduced a range of exciting new features to enhance the texting experience. These additions include screen effects, custom backgrounds, and more.

    In addition, the company unveiled a fresh contacts page featuring the Material You carousel plus a range of exciting new features and enhancements for compatible Pixel devices included in the latest Pixel Feature Drop — such as Video Boost, which enhances video playback, and an improved Photo Unblur feature, among others.

    Now, it looks like Google is focused on enhancing the messaging experience with the introduction of Selfie GIFs. Although it’s not enabled by default yet, this feature is a fun little addition that will be sure to add a touch of fun to your conversations.

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  • Google Messages may soon allow you to edit sent messages

    Google Messages may soon allow you to edit sent messages

    Google Messages has been receiving a flurry of new features lately, making it more competitive with other famous messaging apps. The latest update includes photomoji, screen effects, noise cancellation for audio messages, and animated stickers. These features are currently available to beta users and will likely be rolled out to everyone soon.

    However, even more exciting is the evidence found, courtesy of AssembleDebug from TheSpAndroid, that Google is working on a message editing feature. This feature has been highly requested by users and would be really helpful for fixing of typos or simply making changes to messages after they have been sent.

    The evidence found that Google is working on adding a message editing feature is the existence of several new flags to the beta version of the Google Messages app. These flags were added in the beta releases that were released in the last week of November.

    Furthermore, while digging into the Google Messages APK code, evidence was found that Google is creating a new table in the messages database to store details of edited messages. This table contains columns for the message ID, latest message ID, original RCS message ID, and timestamps for when the message was edited and received.

    Currently, message editing is not a part of the RCS standard. However, Google has added features to RCS before that weren’t part of the standard, such as end-to-end encryption. It’s possible that Google will work to add message editing to the RCS standard in the future.

    Apple’s recent decision to add RCS support to its iMessage application next year, could pave the way for more features like message editing to be added to the standard. This would be very convenient and a major win for users who have been waiting for these features for a long time. Currently, Apple does not plan to support Google’s flavor of RCS messaging, but rather the GSMA universal profile which does not include encryption.

    Unfortunately, there’s no official word on when the message editing feature will be released to the public, but given that there are already hidden flags in the beta version of the application, this could potentially be a planned addition for a future Pixel Feature Drop. My hope is that we get to see this released in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Google Messages widely rolls out quick capture camera icon shortcut for faster photo sharing

    Google Messages widely rolls out quick capture camera icon shortcut for faster photo sharing

    After a recent revamp that removed the top search bar from the app, Google Messages was set to receive another UI tweak that would make it easier for users to send photos. As reported last month, this update would introduce a camera icon directly on the Messages home screen, streamlining the process of sending photos. This UI change is now rolling out widely.

    Previously, sending photos using Google Messages involved either accessing the conversation and attaching the photo from the “Add” button or capturing the photo separately in the camera app and then selecting it from the conversation. Now, the easy-to-access camera icon lets you start the process of sending a photo from the beginning if you intend to capture and send a quick photo instead of forwarding one from the camera roll.

    As you can see in the screenshots above, the camera icon is placed adjacent to the search icon on the top right of the app. Tapping on it, opens the camera app UI and viewfinder, allowing you to capture a quick photo. Once the photo has been taken, Messages then prompts you to select a recipient and attach the photo in a new message to the chosen recipient — while still giving you the control to add additional text and send at your leisure.

    This new feature joins other experimental additions that Google Messages has been exploring, such as an animated emoji, an updated voice recorder, and Google Account login capabilities for the web version. Meanwhile, as new features continue to be rolled out, old ones seem to have suddenly gone missing from the app without explanation, most likely due to a bug.

    The camera shortcut was previously in a limited rollout phase, with only a small group of Google Message users accessing it. That said, while the old method was relatively straightforward, this new shortcut strives to make the process even more effortless —  facilitating seamless photo sharing.

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  • Google Messages loses Reminder and Google Photos integration features

    Google Messages loses Reminder and Google Photos integration features

    Google Messages, the default messaging app for many Android users, has recently lost two key features: message reminders and Google Photos integration. These removals have been met with confusion and frustration from users, who are hoping that the features are simply bugs and not intentional changes.

    Some users — both on stable and beta versions of the app — have reported that the alarm clock icon, used to set reminders for messages, is no longer visible in the toolbar when selecting a message. While the “Remind 1 hr” shortcut in incoming notifications still works, the full reminder functionality seems to be missing. This is a strange occurrence considering the feature was introduced back in 2019 and has since then become a popular feature among users.

    Additionally, the Google Photos integration that allows users to upload videos to the cloud and send them as links, is also missing. This feature was particularly useful for sharing high-quality videos without the limitations of SMS/MMS. However, this feature is now completely missing from the Messages app settings, when it would normally appear right above the aforementioned “Remind 1 hr” setting.

    The removal of these features has led many users to believe that they are intentional decisions by Google. However, it is more likely that these are bugs or glitches rather than planned changes, likely due to the recently planned upgrades currently in testing— such as noise cancellation and markdown text support.

    The selective removal of reminders and the complete disappearance of the Google Photos integration are not likely to be permanent or deliberate actions when considering how popular and helpful these features are. However, it is essential to note that this isn’t the first time a helpful feature has disappeared from the Messages app, such as has been the case with the “View messages by category” feature that filters personal from business messages.

    Google has not yet addressed the missing features in Google Messages. Hopefully, the company quickly fixes these issues and restores the functionality that users have come to rely on sooner rather than later.

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  • Google Messages could be getting “Profiles” to share your information with other users

    Google Messages could be getting “Profiles” to share your information with other users

    Google has been reportedly working on a Profiles feature for its Messages application for several months. This feature appears to be a way for users to have their desired name, photo and other information attached to their contact card within the application.

    The “Profiles” feature was spotted in an APK teardown by 9to5Google, which helped identify more details on what it could do. According to this teardown, code was found in the latest beta version of Google Messages (v20231106_01_RC00) which describes Profiles as a way for users to “Choose your profile name & picture so people can recognize you.”

    The feature is still under development, but it appears that users will be able to create a profile with their name, photo, and other information. This profile could then be shared with other Messages users, so that they can easily identify each other in conversations.

    “Profiles” was originally spotted back in January as a preferences page in Android system settings, although the toggle was not functional when turned on. This suggested that Profiles could be a standalone feature that is managed by Google Messages, rather than being part of RCS.

    If Profiles are implemented, it is likely that they would appear at the top of conversations in Google Messages. I would speculate that tapping on a profile name or photo could then open a profile page with more information about the user that other users could then save to the corresponding contact card.

    Google has not yet announced a release date for the Profiles feature. However, given that it has been in development for several months and is now appearing in beta versions of the app, it will likely be released shortly.

    Google Messages Profiles have the potential to be a significant new feature that would improve the messaging experience for users. It will be interesting to see how Google implements Profiles and how it integrates them with other Messages features, such as RCS and group chats.

  • Google Messages’ new icon now appearing for more users in the notification tray

    Google Messages’ new icon now appearing for more users in the notification tray

    The Google Messages icon was updated to a fresh look late last year; however, for most users, the notification icon for the app didn’t quite follow the same design change. This now changing as the notification icon has been changing widely for more users to reflect the new style.

    The reports of the new icon making its rounds initially came from the Google Pixel subreddit where users started noticing the change overnight. It turns out that a subset of Pixel 6 and 7 series users were experiencing an issue where the old Messages icon would appear in the notification tray and on the lock screen, even after the actual app icon had changed.

    The new Google Messages design adopted the same style as the Phone and Contacts app, featuring two overlapping rounded speech bubbles. This was in contrast to the old rectangular briefcase design that felt very outdated.

    The new design was announced as part of the #GetTheMessage campaign Google started to bring awareness to the benefits of using RCS instead of SMS and to encourage Apple to add RCS to its Messages app, complementing iMessage. On top of that, Google also announced a slew of updates to the app that would enrich the experience for RCS users that receive messages from iMessage users, particularly those involving message reactions. Unfortunately, this campaign has had little to no success in changing Apple’s mind.
    As far as the bug where the iconography is inconsistent between the app icon and the notification tray, it thankfully appears to be suddenly resolved with what appears to be an app or server-side update. This isn’t a huge deal as it doesn’t affect functionality, but for those who prefer a more cohesive experience, it was a bit of an eye sore.
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