What Google Messages features are rolling out [U]

Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.

Update 10/20:

Table of contentsRecent launches (stable)RCS editing‘Magic Rewrite’ tweak expands text fieldGroup search in new conversations screenPixel 9 has full RCS Messages transferGemini double FABScreen EffectsStill rolling out (beta)‘Your profile’ name and photo settingsRCS status indicator tweakCamera face filtersDual SIM RCS supportRead receipts redesignPhoto preview screen

Recent launches (stable)

Google Account Device pairing

Magic Compose

Photomoji

Revamped Contact Details page 

Reaction Effects

Profiles

Custom Bubbles and backgrounds

Selfie GIF

Single-line text field

Voice recorder redesign with noise cancellation + Voice Moods

Larger contact photos

Show expressive animations

New “Select recipients” conversation picker

RCS photo with text caption redesign

RCS editing

Announced at the end of May, RCS message editing finally launched in full last month. You have 15 minutes to edit an RCS message after sending. Long-press it and tap the new pencil icon in the toolbar. There will be an “Edited” label afterwards, while long-pressing the overflow menu for “View details” will show the original. Everyone in a conversation needs to have this feature enabled for it to work.

‘Magic Rewrite’ tweak expands text field

The “Magic Rewrite” aspect of Magic Compose that tweaks something you’ve already written is now accessible from the ‘plus’ menu alongside Files, Location, and Schedule Send. This was previously part of the text field, which expands as a result of the removal.

Old vs. new

Group search in new conversations screen

More

Pixel 9 has full RCS Messages transfer

On the Pixel 9 series, Google “fully maintains the conversation structure, media, audio, reactions, favorites, and all the other conversation metadata” of RCS instead of converting to SMS/MMS.” This “carbon copy” is the case for transfers done over Wi-Fi or USB-C cable.

Gemini double FAB

As of late July, Gemini in Google Messages should be widely rolled out worldwide alongside a small Gemini FAB above the “Start chat” floating action button. Google then rolled out a “Gemini in Messages” setting to disable it. Google did not proceed with a different design that it tested.

Screen Effects

They were first previewed in late November and made an appearance at the start of this year, particularly around Valentine’s Day but were pulled after that. As of July, there’s:

Booo: Tomatoes, with at least three o’s required 

Congratulations: Balloons and confetti

Going to the beach: Waves + various objects

Hahahaha: Tube man. Four ha’s required 

Rise and shine: The sun, quite charming

Still rolling out (beta)

These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.

‘Your profile’ name and photo settings

“Profile sharing” — previously “Profile discovery” — lets you set who can see your name and picture with three options: 

People you message: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message.

Only your contacts: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message, but only if they’re in your contacts.

No one: Your profile isn’t made visible to anyone after you send a message.

You will be able to access this page from a new “Your profile” item when you tap the avatar menu.

RCS status indicator tweak

From “RCS message” to “(RCS)”: More

Camera face filters

Earlier this year, Google Messages rolled out a custom camera. There’s now a new button to the left of the shutter that opens to the front-facing camera, but the filters also work on the rear lens. You can take a picture or record a video (long-press on shutter or switch to the tab) with filters. There are nine options, including one that removes wrinkles from under your eyes, adds glasses, hats, and turns you into a bunny or dinosaur.

Dual SIM RCS support

More than one SIM card will appear as “Connected” in Settings > RCS chats. This will aid international RCS adoption. It started rolling out in January but was later pulled, with more reports this August.

Read receipts redesign

Google is testing a redesign of read receipts that places the checkmarks inside the message bubble. They appear at the right and are housed in a circle. For images, they are overlaid in the bottom-right corner.

EllipsisSendingSingle check with ringSentDouble check with ringDeliveredDouble check solid circleRead

Current vs. redesign

Photo preview screen

After taking a picture using the inline camera, you’re taken to a new attachment screen instead of the image immediately appearing in the compose box. You get a fullscreen preview with the ability to “Write a message…” “Send” is in the corner, as well as “Add more” to take you back to the conversation and attach more. This intermediary screen is similar to WhatsApp and other messaging apps.

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