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Tag: messages

  • Google Messages to Unveil AI-Edit Detector, Aims to Curb Fake Photos Spread

    Google Messages to Unveil AI-Edit Detector, Aims to Curb Fake Photos Spread

    Google Messages, the popular messaging app, is in the process of developing a tool that can identify whether an image shared in a conversation has been created or modified by artificial intelligence (AI). Evidence of this feature was uncovered in the app’s source code, indicating that it will take advantage of C2PA content credentials – integral data that can verify the creation and manipulation history of an image file. Regardless of the device used, this feature is expected to be a standard element in the Google Messages application, which is pre-installed on most top-level Android phones.

    Distinguishing the Authentic from the Artificial

    The discovery of this development was made by AssembleDebug, a skilled code investigator who has a history of revealing Google’s yet-to-be-released features. The initial groundwork for this tool has been detected in various recent releases of the app, although it isn’t operational at this time. It should be seen as a significant signal of what’s to come, rather than an available feature.

    The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) is the organization behind the standard that records the creation and editing history of an image. Essentially, this would mean your phone could inform you whether a photo you received was taken with a camera or generated via AI.

    This aligns with Google’s broader strategy of integrating SynthID watermark detection into Google Photos and Gemini, and now extending this into Google Messages. The tool is expected to have around 18 labels, distinguishing between photos taken with cameras, those modified by partial AI edits, and fully AI-generated media, demonstrating Google’s emphasis on nuanced detection.

    Addressing Growing Concerns

    This development comes amidst growing apprehension around the increasing sophistication of AI-generated images. Some fear that even those with technical know-how are starting to fall for these hyper-realistic images, underlining the critical need for such detection tools.

    However, execution is not without potential pitfalls. Meta Platforms, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, implemented a similar feature, which encountered issues due to false positives. For instance, genuine photos were incorrectly flagged as AI-generated due to metadata left behind by standard Photoshop edits. Google Messages’ adoption of the C2PA standard might face similar issues.

    The primary beneficiaries of this tool would be users who often receive forwarded images, group-chat memes, and screenshots. A simple tap to verify the image’s provenance would be more efficient than manually scrutinizing the image.

    In terms of accessibility, users would be able to reach this feature by clicking on an image, opening the overflow menu, and selecting “View details”. It’s also worth noting that this feature isn’t live yet, so there’s nothing to test currently.

    Interestingly, Google, which has developed impressive image-generating models like Nano Banana, is now building a tool to detect the products of such models. Despite the seeming contradiction, it’s a necessary step towards ensuring authenticity and transparency in digital communication. If Google’s tool proves more reliable than Meta’s version, it will be a game-changer.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the new tool being developed for Google Messages?
    The tool aims to identify whether an image shared in a chat has been created or manipulated by AI, helping users distinguish real photos from AI-generated ones.

    What is the C2PA standard?
    The C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard records the creation and editing history of an image, allowing verification of whether a photo was captured with a camera or generated by AI.

    What potential issues might arise with this tool?
    Similar to Meta’s implementation, Google’s tool may encounter issues with false positives, where genuine photos are incorrectly flagged as AI-generated due to the metadata left behind by standard editing tools such as Photoshop.

  • 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.

  • Google Messages Embraces Trash Feature, Enhancing Message Recovery: A Page from Samsung and Apple’s Playbook

    Google Messages Embraces Trash Feature, Enhancing Message Recovery: A Page from Samsung and Apple’s Playbook

    Google Messages has been the focal point of numerous updates recently. With a keen emphasis on enhancing user experience, developers have introduced new features and improvements. One such feature is an updated Details page, designed to increase usability. Further modifications are on the horizon, with a significant change in the pipeline concerning how the platform handles message deletion.

    Recovering Mistakenly Deleted Messages

    Presently, if a user attempts to delete a message in Google Messages, a pop-up warns the user that deletion is permanent and irreversible. This means once the “Delete” button is clicked, the message is permanently erased. However, situations may arise where a conversation is accidentally deleted, or a user realizes they need a message that was previously deleted.

    In response to such scenarios, Google has implemented a Trash feature in their messaging app. Notable in the beta version 20260227 of the app, this feature aims to retain accessibility to deleted messages.

    New Trash Feature Replaces the Delete Option

    The new trash feature supersedes the existing delete option in Google Messages. With this feature, when a message is deleted, it is moved to a new trash folder instead of being permanently discarded. This folder can be accessed by tapping the profile icon located in the top-right corner of the app and selecting the “Trash” option.

    Deleted messages remain in the trash folder for 30 days. Users have the option to restore all messages or delete them all simultaneously using the ‘restore all’ or ‘delete all’ icons. There’s also a provision for restoring or deleting individual messages.

    The previous delete option, which appeared when opening a conversation and tapping the three-dot menu, has been replaced with the new Trash feature. The swipe actions menu has also been updated to display the new Trash option in place of Delete.

    Consequently, upon the rollout of this update, users cannot permanently delete messages immediately. Instead, messages will first transition to the Trash section, providing users with a second chance to review their content. If a user is certain that a specific message isn’t required, they can permanently delete it from the trash section.

    Google Messages Follows in the Footsteps of Samsung and Apple Messages

    The concept of a trash folder may seem familiar to users of Samsung Messages or Apple Messages. Samsung’s app features a dedicated Recycle Bin section, storing deleted chats for 30 days before permanently erasing them.

    Likewise, Apple devices move deleted messages to a Recently Deleted section, where users can choose to either restore the message or permanently delete it. Both Samsung and Apple’s messaging platforms have incorporated this feature for years, and Google Messages now joins the bandwagon.

    Questions & Answers

    What happens when a message is deleted in the new Google Messages update?
    When a message is deleted in the new Google Messages update, it is moved to a Trash folder instead of being permanently erased. Users can access this folder from their profile icon.

    How long will deleted messages remain in the Trash folder?
    Deleted messages will be stored in the Trash folder for 30 days.

    Can users restore deleted messages from the Trash folder?
    Yes, users have the option to restore all messages at once or select individual messages for restoration. They can also permanently delete all or selected messages from the Trash folder.

  • Google Messages Revamps Read Receipts and Teases Real-Time Location Sharing: An Enhanced Chat Experience Ahead

    Google Messages Revamps Read Receipts and Teases Real-Time Location Sharing: An Enhanced Chat Experience Ahead

    Google’s messaging app, Google Messages, has recently undergone a series of tweaks to improve its user experience. One significant change is the simplification of the group creation process, which allows users to chat with multiple individuals simultaneously. However, this isn’t the only modification to the app.

    Revamped Read Receipts

    The read receipts feature in Google Messages has been revamped in its latest version. Previously, the read receipt was composed of two small circles, commonly referred to as the “Double Bubble” design, located outside the text bubble. The latest version relocates the read receipt within the text bubble, specifically at its lower right corner, and changes its design to a single circle.

    This new version incorporates four states to indicate the status of the sent message: an ellipsis within a circle denotes a message in the process of being sent; a single check within a circle indicates a message has been sent; double checks within a circle signifies the message has been delivered; and finally, a solid circle with double checks mean the message has been read.

    End-to-End Encryption Verification

    Users are now able to verify whether their message was encrypted end-to-end (E2EE) by swiping the text bubble to the left. This action will reveal the time the message was sent and its E2EE status. If a lock with a line through it is displayed, it means the message was not encrypted. Conversely, a lock without a line through it signifies the message was sent via E2EE.

    Real-Time Location Sharing Feature

    Google Messages is rumored to be introducing an exciting feature that will enable users to share their real-time location with others. Currently, the app only allows for a one-time location share, which remains static even when the user is on the move. However, the new “Real-time Location” feature will show the user’s location as they move in real time.

    This feature requires location permissions and can be enabled to share the user’s location in chats. A banner will be displayed at the top of the chat when this feature is active, indicating the remaining time before it is automatically switched off.

    Interestingly, the user can share their live location even if the recipient does not have the same feature enabled on their device. If the recipient has the Google Find Hub app installed, the shared live location link will open in the app. Otherwise, the link will open in a web browser, revealing the sender’s real-time location. To disable location sharing, users simply need to tap the banner at the top of the conversation and select “Stop” from the options at the bottom.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the four states of the new read receipt design in Google Messages?
    The read receipt can be in one of four states: an ellipsis within a circle indicates a message being sent; a single check within a circle shows the message has been sent; double checks within a circle signify the message has been delivered; and a solid circle with double checks means the message has been read.

    How can users verify if a message was encrypted end-to-end in Google Messages?
    Users can swipe the text bubble to the left to reveal the time the message was sent and its encryption status. A lock with a line through it means the message was not encrypted, while a lock without a line through it indicates end-to-end encryption.

    What is the new “Real-time Location” feature in Google Messages?
    The “Real-time Location” feature allows users to share their real-time location with others in chats. A banner will appear at the top of the chat when this feature is active, revealing how much time remains before the feature is automatically turned off.

  • 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.

  • Google Controversially Revamps YouTube Link Sharing in Messages: Is Simplicity Worth the Sacrifice?

    Google Controversially Revamps YouTube Link Sharing in Messages: Is Simplicity Worth the Sacrifice?

    Google is modifying the way YouTube previews and links are displayed within conversations on the Google Messages application. In previous versions, when Android users shared a YouTube video link with their contacts, the video URL was displayed first, followed by a video preview, the webpage title, a description of the video, and finally, the YouTube domain name.

    Changes to YouTube Video Sharing

    The new update, however, brings about several changes to this setup. If the conversation only contains the link to a YouTube video, the URL at the top will no longer be visible. Furthermore, the video preview image will be slightly taller, the lower section’s background will be lighter and more prominent, and the text will be larger.

    However, should you choose to add a comment along with the YouTube video link, all the changes will remain, except for the URL and link, which will not be removed.

    Controversy Surrounding The Update

    The decision to remove the URL has sparked controversy, with many users expressing disappointment with the change. Advocates of the change, however, argue that it offers a more streamlined appearance to the link. If a comment is attached when sharing the link, the URL will remain at the top of the video preview.

    For users who prefer seeing the URL instead of the preview, there is an option to disable previews. This can be done by opening the Google Messages app, tapping on the profile icon in the upper right corner, and navigating to Messages Settings. From there, users can disable either ‘Show all previews’ or ‘Show only web link previews’.

    Questions & Answers

    What changes has Google made to YouTube link sharing on the Google Messages app?
    Google has made changes to how YouTube links look in the Google Messages app. The URL at the top will no longer appear if the conversation only contains the link to a YouTube video. The video preview image is now taller, the background of the bottom section is more prominent, and the text is larger.

    What happens if a comment is added with the YouTube link?
    If a comment is added with the YouTube link, all the changes will remain, except the URL and link will not be removed.

    How can users disable previews and see the URL instead?
    Users can disable previews by opening the Google Messages app, tapping on the profile icon in the upper right corner, navigating to Messages Settings, and disabling either ‘Show all previews’ or ‘Show only web link previews’.

  • 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.

  • Say Goodbye to Regret: Google Messages Eyes Feature for Retrieving Deleted Texts

    Say Goodbye to Regret: Google Messages Eyes Feature for Retrieving Deleted Texts

    The popular messaging platform Google Messages is reportedly working on a new feature that may allow users to retrieve deleted messages. Unlike the majority of email services where deleted messages are moved to a trash folder for temporary storage before permanent deletion, Google Messages currently does not have a similar feature.

    Retrieving Deleted Messages

    Most email services, including Gmail, shift deleted emails to a bin before they are permanently removed. These emails can be retrieved within a certain period of time, typically around 30 days for Gmail. Google Messages, however, does not currently have this feature. Once a message is deleted, it is gone forever. This could be set to change in the near future.

    Evidence of a possible “trash folder” has been found in the latest beta version of the Google Messages app. These “trashed conversations” would allow for a recovery period similar to that of email services, though the feature does not appear to be fully functional yet.

    Benefits of a Trash Folder

    The ability to restore deleted messages offers several benefits to users. Whether a message is deleted in anger and later regretted, or accidentally removed during a mass cleanup, a temporary storage bin provides the opportunity to recover these messages. While it is unclear how long messages might be stored in this potential trash folder, a 30-day timeframe would align with Gmail’s current setup.

    While Google Messages does currently offer an archive feature that allows users to hide conversations without deleting them, this is not an equivalent substitute for the ability to restore deleted messages.

    Continuous Improvements

    Google Messages has continually strived to optimize user experience. Recent updates have included streamlined access to photos and new expressive features. The app also introduced a feature warning users about inappropriate videos.

    The development of a trash folder for deleted messages signals Google Messages’ commitment to user-friendly features. Taking cues from email services, the messaging app is continually evolving to offer the best possible experience to its users.

    Questions & Answers

    What new feature is Google Messages potentially introducing?
    Google Messages is reportedly working on a feature that would allow users to retrieve deleted messages.

    What is the current setup for deleted messages on Google Messages?
    Currently, once a message is deleted on Google Messages, it cannot be retrieved.

    What recent improvements has Google Messages made?
    Recent updates have streamlined access to photos, introduced new expressive features, and added a warning system for inappropriate videos.

  • Google To Enhance Photo Access And Privacy In Messages App With Android 16 Update

    Google To Enhance Photo Access And Privacy In Messages App With Android 16 Update

    Navigating to your photos in the Google Messages app for Android is simple, though it could be more streamlined. To begin, you’ll have to open Google Messages and select any prior message. A round button with a “plus sign [+]” icon is located to the left of the text input area. Clicking on this button reveals a range of options, including:

    – Gallery
    – Camera
    – GIFs
    – Stickers
    – Files
    – Location
    – Contacts
    – Schedule Send

    When you choose the Gallery option, the most recent images and videos stored locally on your device, as displayed by the Google Photos customized media selector, will be visible. However, if you need to access your photos via the Google Photos app using the Android System photo selector, you’ll have to press the Folders button situated at the bottom of the screen. This represents an additional step if you want to see the photos stored in the cloud rather than just on your device.

    Google is reportedly developing a solution to this issue, aiming to erase the additional step required to access your photos from the Google Photos app within Google Messages.

    Security and Access Concerns

    While the additional step may not bother some, it does raise a significant security concern. Google’s custom picker requires access to your full media gallery to function effectively. In contrast, Android’s photo picker allows applications to access only the photos and videos that you select. However, there is promising news — Google is said to be working on a way to allow users to access their photos from the Photos app via Google Messages without the need for the extra tap on the Folders button.

    New Developments in Android 16

    Android 16 introduces a new integrated photo picker equipped with its APIs, enabling apps to incorporate this photo picker directly into their interface. This provides app developers with a media gallery that feels native to their app, while also offering the security and privacy inherent in the Android system photo picker. This is because comprehensive media permissions no longer need to be sought. It was discovered that this embedded photo picker was present on a OnePlus 13 running OxygenOS 16.

    The Gallery button, when pressed, displays cloud-hosted photos and videos together with photos and videos stored on the local device. Before the introduction of the embedded photo picker with Android 16, users would have had to take the extra step and tap the Folders button to see their cloud-hosted photos and videos from the Google Photos app.

    Privacy Improvements

    Once the embedded photo picker is rolled out, there will be no need to grant the Google Messages app “Photos and videos” permission to share photos or videos. In fact, this permission can be revoked once the embedded photo picker is available.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the embedded photo picker in Android 16?
    The embedded photo picker in Android 16 is a new feature that allows apps to integrate a photo picker directly into their interface. This provides a media gallery that feels native to the app while also offering improved security and privacy.

    Does the Google Messages app require access to all my photos and videos?
    Currently, to function effectively, Google’s custom picker requires access to your entire media gallery. However, with the forthcoming embedded photo picker feature in Android 16, this will no longer be necessary.

    What is the benefit of the embedded photo picker?
    The embedded photo picker will eliminate the need for users to make an extra step when accessing cloud-hosted photos and videos from the Google Photos app. Additionally, it will enhance privacy as broad media permissions will no longer be required.

  • Text bubbles fill out before your eyes on the latest version of Google Messages

    Text bubbles fill out before your eyes on the latest version of Google Messages

    Google constantly works on improving certain native Android apps. Google Maps is one of those, and so is Google Messages for Android. We’ve recently passed along some new updates coming to the Google Messages app, including a larger pill-shaped text field, and a revised user interface for the “view details” feature. Now, we’ve caught wind about another change that is supposed to improve the look of the Google Messages app for Android.
    First spotted in the January beta of the app in version 20250115_03_RC00, the new chat bubble animation lives in the stable version of the app, 20250212_01_RC00. With the new version installed on your Android phone, messages will no longer just slide up when sent or received. Instead, a new animation will show the message bubbles starting out small and then growing in size to fill out the space they are allotted. It is not a major change but it brings a cool new look to the Messages app and the good news is that the new animation works regardless if a message is being sent or received via RCS or SMS.
    To be clear, there is no way you can disable this feature once the update is installed on your phone. And its also possible that if you didn’t know that this change is coming, you might not notice a difference when it does finally arrive on your Android phone. The new-look message bubble should start appearing on Android phones sometime during the next few weeks.
    With the open nature of Android, there are so many messaging apps available in the Play Store that you might not be using Google Messages. If you want to make a change and install the app on your Android phone, you can always tap on the following link to download Google Messages from Google’s app storefront.
    If you want to know whether you have received the new look message bubbles, go to Settings > Apps > All Apps > Messages and scroll down to the very bottom of the page. That’s where you will find the version number of the Google Messages app that is on your Android phone. To reiterate, you’re going to want to see a stable version number of 20250212_01_RC00 or higher. For example, the version of Google Messages on my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 beta 2 is 20250225_00_RC00.
    If you do have the new expanding text bubble on the Google Messages app installed on your Android phone, let us know how you like it by writing your comments in the box below.
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  • Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    It appears that after an update Google has seemingly increased the size of the text field in the Google Messages app. The text field, the pill-shaped area where new messages are typed into, has been the beneficiary of an increase in size that makes it thicker and longer (no wisecracks, please). It certainly is not an illusion and neither is the size increase of the Voice memo button which is outside of the text field on the right side and turns into the send button.
    All of the buttons remain in their same places with the plus button still found inside the text pill on the left side. That button opens up several features including:
    • Gallery
    • GIFs
    • Stickers
    • Files
    • Location
    • Contacts
    • Schedule Send
    • Selfie GiF
    Other shortcuts inside the text pill include the smiley face emoji which takes you to the emoji keyboard when tapped. Lastly, inside the pill there is the Gallery shortcut which shows the camera app on top with the photo gallery on the bottom. The wider text pill in the Messages app has appeared with beta version 20250224_01_RC00 of the app.
    While Google has yet to roll out this update widely, you can always look for it by opening the Play Store app and tapping the profile icon in the upper right corner. Tap on Manage apps & device, Updates available, and scroll down to Messages. If the app is listed there, it means that an update for the app is available. Tap on “Update” and let the process finish. The latest update to the app on my phone was version 20250225_01_RC00 which means that you should probably update the app right away if you want the larger text field right away.
    You can check to see which version of the Google Messages app is on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > See all XXX apps > Messages. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the version number of the app that is installed on your phone.
    If you aren’t using Google Messages on your Android phone (after all, there are many options to choose from), you can add it to your handset by tapping on this link which will take you to the Google Play Store from where you can download the Google Messages app.
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  • Google Messages update will make you wish it’s the last of its kind

    Google Messages update will make you wish it’s the last of its kind

    If you thought you were indecisive, wait till you have a look at the latest Google Messages update. Google can’t seem to make up its mind about how it wants the text field to look. Of course, we can’t fault it for wanting to come up with the best possible design.

    When examining the new beta version of the Google Messages app, 9to5Google discovered that some changes have been made to the compose field again.

    To bring you up to speed, earlier this year, Google Messages featured a pill-shaped compose box with the emoji button in the beginning, followed by Magic Compose, Gallery, and the ‘plus’ menu. Voice Messages was outside the box, in a circle. It transformed into Send after you typed something.

    In late October, that change was reverted, with Google going back to the previous design with Plus, Gallery, and Magic Compose on the left, pushing the text field to the right, with emoji and voice memo shortcuts residing within it. Not everyone was a fan of this design, which is understandable, as it looked rather cluttered.

    Google has moved things around again in the latest beta. The text box is now again positioned on the left, but button placements have changed. The Plus is still the first button, and then comes Magic Compose, Emoji first, and Gallery. The Voice Memo/Send button remains outside. Once something is typed, only Plus and Emoji remain.

    Whether you like the new design or not, you might find yourself wishing that it remains the same for a long while. After all, muscle memory is hard to retrain and even harder to shake.

    Also, don’t be surprised if the change is not live at your end, as the report notes that it’s yet to roll out to everyone.

    Other than this, the beta version also features redesigned read receipts, but the implementation seems buggy at the moment and the new design only shows up in the main message list.

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  • Google Messages’ future update to give Magic Compose a more visible spot

    Google Messages’ future update to give Magic Compose a more visible spot

    Google is constantly adding new features and making tweaks to its Messages app, and it looks like a future update will introduce a small but useful change to give one of Google’s AI features more visibility.

    A recent report shows that the newest beta version of the Google Messages app has introduced a new Magic Compose button. Powered by Google’s generative AI, Magic Compose helps you craft responses based on the context of your messages, offering suggestions for how to kick off a conversation, reply, or even rework a draft in different tones.

    In the current setup, Magic Compose sits in the bottom row, nestled between the gallery and text field. As you type, it slides out of view behind a chevron.

    What’s new in the beta version, though, is that Magic Compose shows up in the row of smart replies, even when there aren’t any suggestions. It appears as a pill-shaped message bubble with a sparkle icon located either first or at the far right.

    Magic Compose shows up in the row of smart replies when you start typing. | Image credit – 9to5Google

    The icon matches the Dynamic Color theme, just like the Send button. Once you start typing in the compose field, the icon switches to Magic Rewrite (a pencil with a sparkle). No big visual changes to the feature itself, though.

    The old layout, with three buttons squished into one row, felt cramped and often shrank the text box, especially on smaller devices. So, I think Google making this small change to how the Magic Compose feature appears makes it way more accessible and easy to use.

    In other Google Messages news, three new changes are on the way to level up your texting experience. Plus, the Gemini Extensions feature for the Messages app has started its gradual roll-out.

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