Google Messages Archives

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

You Can Now Text Yourself via RCS on Google Messages (and You Should)

Google Messages has introduced a beta feature that allows users to send messages to themselves using RCS (Rich Communication Services), which provides advantages over SMS, such as the ability to send longer texts and high-resolution media without compression. However, RCS messages sent to oneself currently lack encryption. If the feature is active on a device, users can simply text themselves, or they may need to enroll in the Google Messages beta program. Self-messaging offers convenience and the ability to synchronize messages and media across devices, but users concerned about security may consider using encrypted platforms like Signal for sensitive information.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Samsung keeps adding new features to the Messages app it supposedly sunset

Samsung has updated its Messages app with new features, including the ability to edit messages sent to other Galaxy devices running One UI 7, allowing up to three edits within 15 minutes after sending. Each edited message is marked, and a history of edits can be accessed. Additionally, there is an auto-delete function for one-time password (OTP) messages, which deletes them after 24 hours and permanently after 30 days. These features are reportedly available on the Galaxy S25, but some users have faced limitations based on regional software versions. The editing feature is likely limited to RCS messages, as SMS does not support it. Despite previous statements about phasing out the Messages app, the updates suggest Samsung's continued commitment to it.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

WhatsApp could be among the first to support Google’s ‘Pixel Besties’ feature

Google is developing a feature called "Pixel Besties" to consolidate conversations from various messaging applications into a single interface. It is expected to debut with the upcoming Pixel QPR update, with WhatsApp likely being the first third-party app to participate. The feature may be part of a dedicated application called "Pixel Relationship," which could include a home screen widget for easy access. Users will be able to curate a list of important contacts, and all interactions with designated "Pixel Besties" will be aggregated in one space. The latest beta version of WhatsApp suggests a central hub for this feature, supported by a new API for communication between apps. Initially, it will integrate data from Google Messages and WhatsApp, with potential future additions from other platforms like Messenger.

AppWizard

February 9, 2025

Android’s Google Play Store bug shows repeat app updates

The Google Play Store is experiencing a bug that causes some Android users to receive repeated app update notifications for applications that are already up to date. This issue appears in the "Pending downloads" section, where affected apps show notifications for updates despite having the latest versions installed. Genuine pending updates display the update size and date, while these repeat notifications do not. Affected apps include Gboard, Google Messages, Pocket Casts, and The Athletic, which download minimal data (1 to 2 MB) without making any changes. Reports of this issue have surfaced previously, indicating it is a recurring problem, and Google has not issued an official statement regarding it.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

Google Play Store showing repeat Android app updates

A glitch in the Google Play Store affected Android users, causing repeated app updates for already installed applications without changing version numbers. Popular apps like Gboard, Google Messages, Pocket Casts, and The Athletic displayed no update sizes and indicated "Updated at [time]." Users noticed that a small file (1 to 2 MB) was downloaded for each app, leading to an "Installing" process, but the version numbers remained unchanged. Other apps experienced normal updates, indicating the issue affects both Google and third-party apps. Users have not reported functional problems, and the main consequence is unnecessary data consumption. The issue has been observed on Android 14 (Samsung) and 15 (Pixel) devices.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Samsung just quietly retired its Google Messages rival, and not everyone will be happy about it

Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 series, making Google Messages the default messaging application and retiring the Samsung Messages app. Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra users will only have access to Google Messages, unlike previous models that allowed the option to use Samsung Messages. Existing Samsung Messages users can still use the app if it was installed prior to its removal from stores, but it is no longer available for download, raising concerns about future support and security. A Samsung spokesperson confirmed the decision to transition to Google Messages, citing improved Rich Communication Services (RCS) functionality. The response from users has been mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction about the enforced switch. This change marks a trend towards standardization in the Android messaging ecosystem.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

How to remove your activity from Gemini

Gemini is an AI-powered chatbot from Google that can summarize texts, generate images, and learn from user interactions. It retains both textual and spoken data by default, raising privacy concerns. Users can manage their activity by navigating to Gemini's web app, where they can delete activity based on various time frames or remove individual activities. Users can also turn off activity saving and adjust auto-deletion settings for data older than 3, 18, or 36 months. To delete a chat in Google Messages, users can tap the three-dot icon and confirm deletion. Gemini is the default virtual assistant for the Google Pixel 9 series and is expected to be pre-installed on many top Android devices.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Recap: Pixel updates, Feature Drops, and new apps in 2024

In 2024, Made by Google released multiple updates for the Pixel phone, introducing new features and enhancing existing functionalities across six updates. - January Feature Drop: Launched with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, it included the Pixel Thermometer app for forehead temperature readings, Circle to Search, and the rebranding of Quick Share from Nearby Share. - March Feature Drop: Introduced with Android 14 QPR2, it featured an expandable Bluetooth Quick Settings Tile, a Material You volume slider, new casting options, and a "Hello?" button for the Call Screen feature. The Pixel Tablet received the Gboard Voice Toolbar. - June Feature Drop: Marked by the early launch of the Pixel 8a, it introduced Audio Emoji, Display Port Support for external screens, Gemini Nano technology, and camera improvements for various Pixel models. The Android 14 QPR3 update focused on minor tweaks. - Pixel 9 Series Launch: Debuted alongside Android 14, backporting features from the Android 15 Beta. Introduced three new applications: Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, and Pixel Weather, along with Gemini Live and on-device Call Notes. - Android 15/October Drop: Introduced Android 15 with a Private Space option, Predictive Back functionality, a redesigned screenshot interface, underwater photography capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, and an enhanced Adaptive Vibration feature. - December Drop: Included Android 15 QPR1 with a Material You redesign for Settings, charging optimization, enhancements to the Pixel Screenshots app, a clear voice feature for the Pixel Recorder, broader rollout of contextual replies for Gemini, and Dual Screen Portrait Mode for foldable devices. Google extended Android OS updates for the Pixel 6 and 7 series.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Here’s what satellite messaging could look like in Google Messages

T-Mobile is set to begin beta testing a satellite messaging service in partnership with Starlink, specifically designed for Android 15 users. This service will allow users to send messages via the Google Messages app when outside cellular or Wi-Fi range. Users will receive a prompt to connect to satellite messaging on the Google Messages home screen and during one-on-one chats, though group chats may not be supported. Selecting the “Connect” option will initiate a satellite connection, but it is unclear if the connection will automatically disengage when cellular or Wi-Fi access is restored.

AppWizard

December 15, 2024

AT&T shuts down its messaging apps prematurely and deletes cloud backups

AT&T has retired its pre-installed messaging applications for phones and tablets as of December 4, following an announcement in May about the closure of the AT&T Messages Backup & Sync app and the AT&T Messages for Tablet app. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which AT&T prefers due to its Rich Communication Services (RCS) capabilities. Messages stored in the cloud will be deleted, but conversations saved locally on devices will remain accessible. AT&T had made Google Messages the default Android messaging app in 2021 and transitioned to Google's Jibe platform in 2023 to improve RCS features. Unlike Verizon's experience with customer backlash, AT&T's user base has shown more acceptance of this change.