6 texting options I want have been part of Google Messages

Google Messages
has solidified itself because the go-to textual content messaging platform throughout a lot of the Android ecosystem. It is full of

Gemini
-based AI options, it presents encrypted

RCS tech
, and it effortlessly syncs knowledge throughout the broader Google software program ecosystem.

It has not too long ago come to mild that Google is

working on several new features
for its Messages app. These embody a devoted unsubscribe button for coping with spam threads, an automated delicate content material warning system, real-time location sharing, and in-line PDF previewing. A few of these additions have been confirmed by the search giant, whereas others have been uncovered through APK teardowns from the parents over at Android Authority.

These new Messages updates are thrilling, however I am unable to assist however want Google would do much more to push its texting platform ahead. I have been clamoring for a selected set of options for a while now — I hope the corporate finally will get round to addressing at the least a few of the following six wishlist entries of mine within the close to future.

1

Customizable chat threads

For a touch of chat room persona

In comparison with many third-party immediate messaging providers (in addition to most

third-party Android SMS apps
), Google Messages lacks a lot in the way in which of in-chat customization. You may’t alter the wallpaper on a per-chat room foundation, and you’ll’t tweak accent colours, fonts, or another interface components.

I admire Google’s Pixel UI mantra of chic simplicity, and I would not count on the corporate to include the kind of granular management over textual content bubbles and emoji types that one thing like Textra presents. That being stated, slightly little bit of personalization goes a great distance in making textual content threads really feel extra human, and I would welcome the inclusion of any new customization choices with open arms.

Associated

These new Google Messages features make Android texting better for everyone

The newest seize bag of Google Messages options bodes nicely for the way forward for textual content messaging on Android.

2

A built-in recycling bin

To safeguard in opposition to unintended deletion

A devoted trash part throughout the Google Messages app is the kind of factor that ought to’ve been applied into the expertise from the very starting. Many various texting apps — together with Samsung Messages — have provided this primary performance for fairly a while now.

The utility of a devoted recycle bin is evident — siloing away deleted textual content threads for a month previous to everlasting deletion is a good way to safeguard in opposition to unintended lack of necessary conversations. Our PCs and our picture library apps embody a trash bin for a motive, and messaging providers needs to be no totally different.

Associated

Google Messages is set to get even more useful thanks to a new update

Google is engaged on two new options for its RCS Messages platform on Android: a delicate content material warning system, and real-time location sharing.

3

An optionally available ship delay setting

To save lots of from embarrassing typos and regrettable texts

The ship delay setting is my private favourite function present in third-party Android SMS apps like Texta. I am unsure why it hasn’t caught on throughout mainstream messaging providers, however I would like to see Google add the choice to its Messages app. When enabled, ship delay gives a window of alternative to cancel a textual content message earlier than it has the possibility to be delivered.

On Texta, I set my ship delay setting to three seconds, however the function might be configured to be as quick as 1 second, or so long as 9 seconds in delay size. I are inclined to make a number of typos whereas utilizing a software program keyboard, and ship delay has saved me from a number of embarrassingly botched sentences all through the years.

Associated

I tried convincing my friend to switch to Google Messages, and it didn’t go well

Google Messages has develop into the de facto texting platform for Android – this is why that issues a lot.

4

The return of class tabs

To higher hold observe of message threads

Again round 2020, Google was experimenting with including textual content message auto-categorization into its Messages app. These classes have been to look close to the highest of the display screen as particular person tabs, with sorting choices for transactions, presents, one-time passwords (OTPs), and extra. Sadly, this function has by no means been given the possibility to see the sunshine of day, regardless of its apparent utility.

On Samsung Messages, it is doable to create customized textual content message classes, which is an much more helpful implementation of the function for us organizational freaks of the world. Personally, I’ve set mine up with devoted tabs for work, college, and miscellaneous, however the choices are infinite.

Associated

These 6 third-party Android messaging apps bring me back to the glory days of SMS texting

Google Messages is not the one Android texting app on the town — listed below are some wonderful third-party options.

5

Outgoing message signatures

So as to add a splash of professionalism to the combination

Automated message signatures have been an electronic mail service staple for years, and I feel it is excessive time they develop into commonplace on the earth of textual content messaging. Some third-party SMS apps present this performance out of the field, and I would like to see Google scoop up the concept and implement it straight into its personal Messages service.

Inside many enterprise {and professional} contexts, the flexibility to set-and-forget a default message signature is invaluable. When sending out messages to folks you do not chat with regularly, it gives a fast and simple strategy to talk particulars together with who you’re, what group you are related to, and what place you would possibly maintain at stated group.

Associated

How to easily switch your Android phone’s default SMS texting app

Android makes it easy to change from one default texting app to the subsequent — this is how one can begin messaging pals with Textra, Chomp, et al.

6

Google Allo’s Whisper Shout function

Considered one of Google’s strangest spin-off messaging providers, Allo,

was released in 2016
, after which subsequently shut down in 2019. The messenger was designed to showcase the then-new Google Assistant chatbot, however a lot of its AI performance was later ported into the flagship Google Messages expertise.

Sadly, my favourite Google Allo function has but to be revived in Messages type — Whisper Shout. By holding down the ship button, you have been in a position to drag a slider up or down to manage the scale of a textual content bubble previous to sending it off. It is stunning how a lot extra allure Whisper Shout delivered to my textual content threads again within the day, and I proceed to cross my fingers in hope of its well-deserved return.

Associated

5 reasons why I don’t send old-fashioned SMS text messages anymore

SMS stays a generally used texting customary throughout North America — this is why I’ve transitioned to the superior RCS protocol.