On October 20, 2022, Google announced 10 new features for its instant messaging service, Messages. The features enable users to reply to individual messages in a group chat, react to SMSs from iPhone users with emojis and watch YouTube videos in the Messages app itself. It is clear that the developers of Android are pushing their RCS-based messaging service harder than ever, giving users more features every now and then.
As always, Google takes a hit on Apple for not supporting RCS with iMessage, saying, "we're doing what's possible to improve messaging between Android and iOS, like adding support for reactions." After that, it goes on to explain all the new features that will be available to Google Messages users in the coming weeks. The features were announced via a blog post on the official Google blog.
First up, Messages users will be able to reply to an individual message in a group chat when RCS is enabled. The feature makes it easier for users to communicate and respond to an older thread. Previously, Google Messages showed emoji reactions from iPhone users on Android phones, but with the recent feature drop, Android users can now react to SMS texts from iPhone users as well.
Google Messages users will also be able to quickly transcribe a voice message into text as the app makes Voice Message Transcription more accessible. The feature will be available on the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, all the phones in the Pixel 6 series, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Another helpful feature is the inclusion of Reminders directly in Messages. As mentioned by Google, users can remember important stuff without "navigating across several apps" on their phones.
Other features include the ability to watch YouTube videos within the Messages app and star messages that contain important information like addresses, bank account details, and passwords. The Messages app will also be able to recognise text and suggest quick actions such as starting a Meet call or adding calendar events.
In some parts of the world, the platform is also testing chatting with businesses so users can message companies directly. Last but not least, Messages has partnered with United Airlines to enable users to message on United flights using RCS. If that's not enough, users will also see a new Messages icon in the coming weeks, which better reflects the modern messaging experience and complements Google's other products.
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