Verizon is discontinuing its Verizon Messages and Message Plus apps in favor of Google Messages, citing the widespread adoption of RCS messaging as the reason. This move follows Samsung’s similar decision and reflects the growing momentum behind RCS as a standard for cross-platform messaging.
Google Messages is simplifying its message type indicators, replacing ‘Text message’ and ‘RCS message’ with the more concise ‘(Text)’ and ‘(RCS)’. This change aims to streamline the messaging experience and make it more user-friendly, especially for newcomers to Android.
Samsung has removed the preinstalled Samsung Messages app on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, opting to push users towards Google Messages with RCS enabled by default. This change, currently limited to US unlocked/carrier models, signifies Samsung’s intention to phase out its own messaging app. Google Messages offers enhanced features like better group chat functionality, improved file sharing, and advanced messaging features.
Google has announced a plethora of new features for its Android ecosystem, including the long-awaited edit feature for Google Messages, a streamlined hotspot experience, and support for standalone home screen widgets for smart home appliances. Wear OS users can now also make contactless payments with PayPal and easily move calls between devices. These new features aim to enhance the user experience and make everyday tasks more convenient.
The Google Messages app on Android phones may soon receive a highly anticipated feature: the ability to edit sent messages. This feature has been spotted in screenshots shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Jhow_kira, indicating that it is currently being tested by some Android users. Once rolled out, users will be able to edit messages by long-pressing them and selecting the pencil icon next to the copy, delete, star, and flow options.
Google Messages is getting ready to add a “Show expressive animations” setting to presumably turn off Reaction and Screen Effects. This could be a fair straightforward on/off toggle for animations in Google Messages settings, while something more advanced would let you enable/disable by expressive feature. It’s not yet rolled out.
