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 affords encrypted

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

It has just lately come to gentle that Google is

working on several new features
for its Messages app. These embrace a devoted unsubscribe button for coping with spam threads, an computerized 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 specific set of options for a while now — I hope the corporate finally will get round to addressing at the least among the following six wishlist entries of mine within the close to future.

1

Customizable chat threads

For a splash of chat room character

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 best way 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 parts.

I recognize Google’s Pixel UI mantra of stylish simplicity, and I would not anticipate the corporate to include the form of granular management over textual content bubbles and emoji kinds that one thing like Textra affords. That being mentioned, somewhat little bit of personalization goes a good 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 most recent seize bag of Google Messages options bodes effectively for the way forward for textual content messaging on Android.

2

A built-in recycling bin

To safeguard towards unintentional deletion

A devoted trash part inside the Google Messages app is the form of factor that ought to’ve been carried out into the expertise from the very starting. Many various texting apps — together with Samsung Messages — have provided this fundamental 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 towards unintentional lack of essential conversations. Our PCs and our photograph library apps embrace a trash bin for a motive, and messaging providers needs to be no completely 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 non-obligatory ship delay setting

To avoid wasting from embarrassing typos and regrettable texts

The ship delay setting is my private favourite characteristic present in third-party Android SMS apps like Texta. I am undecided 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 prospect to be delivered.

On Texta, I set my ship delay setting to three seconds, however the characteristic may be configured to be as brief as 1 second, or so long as 9 seconds in delay size. I are likely to make loads 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 raised 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 as particular person tabs, with sorting choices for transactions, affords, one-time passwords (OTPs), and extra. Sadly, this characteristic has by no means been given the prospect to see the sunshine of day, regardless of its apparent utility.

On Samsung Messages, it is potential to create customized textual content message classes, which is an much more helpful implementation of the characteristic 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 countless.

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 glorious third-party options.

5

Outgoing message signatures

So as to add a splash of professionalism to the combo

Automated message signatures have been an e-mail service staple for years, and I feel it is excessive time they develop into commonplace on the planet 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 thought and implement it straight into its personal Messages service.

Inside many enterprise {and professional} contexts, the power to set-and-forget a default message signature is invaluable. When sending out messages to individuals you do not chat with frequently, it gives a fast and simple approach to talk particulars together with who you’re, what group you are related to, and what place you would possibly maintain at mentioned 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 the best way to begin messaging associates with Textra, Chomp, et al.

6

Google Allo’s Whisper Shout characteristic

Certainly 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 characteristic has but to be revived in Messages kind — Whisper Shout. By holding down the ship button, you have been in a position to drag a slider up or down to regulate the dimensions of a textual content bubble previous to sending it off. It is stunning how a lot extra appeal Whisper Shout dropped at 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 commonplace throughout North America — this is why I’ve transitioned to the superior RCS protocol.