6 texting options I want had 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 filled with

Gemini
-based AI options, it gives encrypted

RCS tech
, and it effortlessly syncs information 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 by way of 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 ultimately will get round to addressing no less than a few of the following six wishlist entries of mine within the close to future.

Google Messages

Google’s default messaging utility, which is put in on many Android telephones out of the field. The corporate’s customized RCS implementation brings with it end-to-end encryption.

1

Customizable chat threads

For a touch of chat room character

In comparison with many third-party instantaneous messaging companies (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 modify the wallpaper on a per-chat room foundation, and you may’t tweak accent colours, fonts, or another interface components.

I recognize Google’s Pixel UI mantra of chic simplicity, and I would not anticipate the corporate to include the form of granular management over textual content bubbles and emoji types that one thing like Textra gives. That being mentioned, a little bit little bit of personalization goes a good distance in making textual content threads really feel extra human, and I might welcome the inclusion of any new customization choices with open arms.

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2

A built-in recycling bin

To safeguard in opposition to unintentional deletion

A devoted trash part throughout the Google Messages app is the form of factor that ought to’ve been carried out into the expertise from the very starting. Many different texting apps — together with Samsung Messages — have supplied 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 an effective way to safeguard in opposition to unintentional lack of vital conversations. Our PCs and our photograph library apps embody a trash bin for a cause, and messaging companies needs to be no totally different.

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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 elective 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 companies, however I might like to see Google add the choice to its Messages app. When enabled, ship delay supplies 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 function may be configured to be as quick 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.

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Google Messages has turn out to be 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 had been to seem close to the highest of the display as particular person tabs, with sorting choices for transactions, gives, one-time passwords (OTPs), and extra. Sadly, this function 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 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 limitless.

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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 combo

Automated message signatures have been an e-mail service staple for years, and I believe it is excessive time they turn out to be commonplace on the earth of textual content messaging. Some third-party SMS apps present this performance out of the field, and I might like to see Google scoop up the concept and implement it immediately 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 individuals you do not chat with frequently, it supplies a fast and simple method to talk particulars together with who you might be, what group you are related to, and what place you may maintain at mentioned group.

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6

Google Allo’s Whisper Shout function

One in every of Google’s strangest spin-off messaging companies, 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 had been capable of drag a slider up or down to regulate the dimensions of a textual content bubble previous to sending it off. It is shocking 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.

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