NewApp Digest
search bot

Google Messages

Ignored no more: Google Messages lets you mention friends to make sure you're heard
AppWizard
March 21, 2026

Ignored no more: Google Messages lets you mention friends to make sure you’re heard

Google has introduced a new feature in its Messages app called "Mentions in Messages," allowing users to tag individuals in group chats with the "@" symbol. This feature alerts specific members to important messages directed at them and will roll out this week. Users can mention multiple participants in a single message and edit the "saved name of the recipient" to maintain privacy. Additionally, Google Messages has introduced built-in live location sharing and a trash folder for deleted conversations, which retains messages for 30 days before permanent deletion.
Android's March update is all about finding people, apps, and your missing bags
AppWizard
March 3, 2026

Android’s March update is all about finding people, apps, and your missing bags

Google's March Pixel Drop introduces several enhancements for Pixel devices, including: - Integration of live location sharing in Google Messages, allowing users to share real-time location within chats. - Introduction of short app preview videos in Google Play for users to quickly assess app functionality before downloading. - Enhanced Find Hub app for recovering lost luggage by generating a secure tracking link for tagged bags, which can be shared with participating airlines. The tracking links expire after seven days and can be stopped at any time. Over ten major airlines, including Ajet, Air India, and Lufthansa Group, support this feature, with Qantas expected to join soon. Google collaborated with SITA and Reunitus to integrate this feature with baggage systems used by many airlines worldwide.
Circle to Search has 3 secret powers most people don’t know about
AppWizard
February 24, 2026

Circle to Search has 3 secret powers most people don’t know about

Circle to Search has reached its second anniversary, marking a significant milestone for Google. It was introduced to Android as a practical application of artificial intelligence and has evolved to include enhanced functionalities relevant in 2026. Users can access the generative AI model Nano Banana directly through Circle to Search for image creation and editing, streamlining the remixing process. The tool also features a full-screen translation capability that allows instant translation of text displayed on screens across various apps and websites, supporting multiple languages and enabling scrolling translations. Additionally, Circle to Search can scan QR codes and barcodes displayed on screens, functioning similarly to the Camera app. Its capabilities include text selection, image searching, generative AI, code scanning, song recognition, and on-screen translation, making it a versatile tool that enhances user experience. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as an ideal companion for Circle to Search, equipped with AI-powered tools that enhance overall user experience.
Google Messages is picking up a couple of genuinely useful upgrades
AppWizard
February 17, 2026

Google Messages is picking up a couple of genuinely useful upgrades

Google is updating its Messages app to include a feature that allows users to copy a selected portion of a message by tapping and holding to reveal interactive options for inline text selection. This feature will enable users to highlight specific sections of text and use Android's copy function, while still retaining the option to copy the full text. Additionally, a new 'Mark as read' button will be added for Wear OS, allowing users to mark messages as read directly from the initial notification. This option will only be available when the notification first arrives.
What The Symbols & Check Marks Next To Android Text Messages Really Mean
AppWizard
February 13, 2026

What The Symbols & Check Marks Next To Android Text Messages Really Mean

Google Messages has introduced several features, including AI-powered scam detection and the ability to "unsend" messages, which have increased its popularity. The app includes visual status indicators for message delivery: a timer symbol for sending, a single check mark for sent, double check marks for delivered, and color-filled double check marks for read messages (if read receipts are enabled). It also has a typing indicator (three bouncing dots) and a lock symbol for end-to-end encryption. A red exclamation mark indicates message delivery failure. If no symbols are visible (except the red exclamation mark), it may mean RCS advanced chat capabilities are not enabled, reverting conversations to SMS or MMS. Users can check RCS settings in the app.
Android App Devs Get Access to New Photo Picker
AppWizard
January 28, 2026

Android App Devs Get Access to New Photo Picker

Google is rolling out a new embedded photo picker for Android applications to enhance user experience and prioritize privacy. This feature allows users to browse on-device media and cloud-stored content without granting apps direct access until a selection is made. Developers can implement this functionality without requesting photo permissions from users. The photo picker is integrated within Google Messages, positioned below the camera button for easy access, and offers a dynamic preview of selected photos. The integration of this code into existing applications is straightforward, leading to expected widespread adoption across various services.
Android 17's new App Lock might stop your notifications from spilling secrets
AppWizard
January 8, 2026

Android 17’s new App Lock might stop your notifications from spilling secrets

A native App Lock feature is anticipated to be introduced in Android 17, allowing users to secure specific applications for enhanced privacy. In the Android Canary 2601 release, new code indicates that notifications from locked apps will be delivered with obscured content, showing generic messages like “New message” or “New notification.” The app name and icon may still be visible in these notifications, helping users identify the source while keeping the content private. These features are not finalized and will be confirmed upon the official release by Google.
Search