Google Messages has now been set as a default texting and messaging software for Pixel and Samsung handsets, and it’s also free to download for anybody using an Android smartphone or any device.
If you are an Android user then you are probably familiar with Google Messages. Although it does appear to be a simple messaging app, there are several features that you must be aware of to get the most out of Google’s iMessage competitor.
No doubt that Google Messages is one of the greatest Android texting apps available. You may save a lot of time and energy by making use of a few handy shortcuts in the app and getting the most out of it.
1. The RCS Feature
You must have the RCS feature turned on for your Google Messages. If you haven’t already, then tap on the three dots you see on the top right corner and select Settings, then go onto the Chat features and then just enable chat features to enable Google’s SMS-but-better service, the RCS (Rich Communication Services), which includes features like iMessage that include read receipts and improved photo and video support.
RCS messages will have a date and time mentioned and a little padlock icon underneath them, which means that the contents of the discussion are encrypted. You do require internet for using this feature, as it is no longer a simple SMS.
2. Smart Actions & Replies
Google Messages, like Gmail for emails, can use on-device AI to offer smart replies or will suggest some short responses based on a previous couple of messages. If you’re short on time, you can use these smart replies to respond affirmatively or negatively, send a thank-you letter, or send an appropriate emoji.
3. Starred Messages
A simple star feature in Google Communications might help you quickly return to key messages. It’s the same concept as using starred messages in your email inbox. Long-press a message to apply the star icon, and you can instantly retrieve your starred emails by touching the three dots (top right) and selecting Starred.
4. The Zooming Feature
Most of us are familiar with using the ‘pinch-to-zoom’ action to get a closer look at the pictures or the maps even, and you can do the same with the Google Messages interface.
Open a discussion, then separate two fingers from each other on the screen to make the text larger. It’s useful for examining details in images and getting a better look at the information that people have texted to you. When you’re ready, reverse the pinch-to-zoom gesture to return to normal.
5. Schedule A Message
Google Messages has a function that allows you to send messages at a later time. To utilize it, select Schedule sends from the Plus (+) icon to the left of the text entry box. It works as expected, and you can either enter your date and time or choose from a list of options. For the message to be sent at the scheduled time, your phone must be turned on and connected to the internet.
6. Bubble Chats
Your messaging apps can employ bubbles, which are small pop-ups that indicate when a new chat is coming in if you’re using Android 11 or later. Bubbles are supported in Google Messages, and you can enable them by touching the three dots (top right) and selecting Settings then Bubbles.
7. Google Assistant
You may see Google Assistant suggestions in the middle of your discussions, so if you’re conversing with someone about the weather, you can look up the forecast. Your device performs all of the scanning and analysis. To enable it, go to the top right and press the three dots, then Settings and Suggestions.
8. Google Messages On The Web Browser
Although Google Messages is Android software, you don’t have to use it from your phone to utilize it. You can use a web browser on your computer or even a Chromebook to access the platform.
In your web browser, go to ‘messages.google.com’. Then on your phone, open the Google Messages app. In the upper-right area of the app, tap the three vertical dots. Select the blue QR code scanner button under Messages for Web.
Then simply scan the QR code on your computer screen with your phone after hitting on the blue QR code scanner icon. Having a secure and reliable internet connection will come to the most use in this.
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Wrapping Up,
The aforementioned are some of the quick tips that you can deploy to get the most out of Google Messages. Happy Texting!
