Apple Messages simply bought a bunch of latest options with the arrival of iOS 16, and it appears like Google will not be far behind in including a number of vital upgrades to its personal Messages app for Android gadgets.

Some digging by 9to5Google (opens in new tab) has revealed code that is within the Messages app however not but enabled – suggesting that these options are nonetheless being labored on and may very well be switched on within the not too distant future.

One of many upgrades apparently within the works is the flexibility to answer to particular messages in a dialog, one thing that you’re going to be acquainted with for those who’ve used WhatsApp or iMessage. Customers also needs to quickly be capable of reply to a message with any emoji they like.

Audio and pictures

That is not all: it appears as if Messages will quickly give the choice of transcribing voice notes into textual content. In different phrases, you will get voice notes written out for you for those who’re not in a position to take heed to the precise audio clip – one thing not seen on many messaging rivals and could be fairly the filip for Google’s messaging app because it continues to construct a sexy messaging app to attract in new customers. 

Lastly, there are additionally indications of a brand new gallery view showing contained in the Messages app, switching to a vertical structure that makes it simpler to get to the picture(s) you wish to connect to your outgoing messages.

As for when all of this can seem for customers, there is no indication of any fastened date, but it surely should not be too lengthy. It is potential that Google will use the Pixel 7 launch on October 6 to make some software program bulletins too.

Evaluation: Google is not giving up on Messages

You would be forgiven for being a bit of confused by Google’s messaging app technique during the last yr or twenty. Messages is the default app supplied on Pixels and lots of different Android telephones, which handles SMS and MMS duties. It additionally helps RCS or Wealthy Communications Companies, an improve on SMS.

RCS is not a Google product, although Google is investing closely in its improvement and adoption. It turns SMS into one thing extra trendy, with help for options comparable to learn receipts and media file codecs (together with the all-important GIF). Google is pushing Apple to help RCS, however we may very well be ready some time for that to occur.

Then there’s Google Chat, which has taken over from Google Hangouts. That is extra akin to one thing like WhatsApp or Telegram, and contains a lot of the options you’ll count on from a messaging app. It does not help SMS or RCS although, which is why Google Messages remains to be round.

These incoming options present that Google Messages and Google Chat will probably be staying separate for the foreseeable future – it is considerably complicated for customers, however then we have come to count on that lately. See additionally Google Duo, the video calling app which is now being merged into Google Meet.

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