Google Messages app Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google’s March Pixel Drop is here with a ton of Android upgrades

Google's latest Pixel Drop update enhances the Pixel series with new features, including expanded satellite messaging capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, which now supports users in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. This feature allows users to connect to compatible satellite networks for emergency assistance when cellular service is unavailable. The update will also support Verizon and T-Mobile for satellite messaging. Additionally, the Pixel 9 family introduces a video recording feature that enables simultaneous recording from multiple angles using another Pixel device or a compatible GoPro camera. The AI-powered scam detection feature will be available on all currently supported Android devices, allowing Google Messages app users to identify potential scam texts, while comprehensive phone call scam alerts will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

More Android phones should copy how the Xiaomi 15 offers its AI writing tools

The Xiaomi 15 series integrates AI writing tools directly into the Android text selection menu, allowing users to summarize, proofread, extend, or rewrite text across all applications. Users can access these features by selecting text and tapping the AI writing button in the selection menu. In contrast, competitors like Google Pixel and OnePlus limit their AI writing capabilities to specific first-party applications. Samsung's upcoming One UI 7 update will also enable system-wide access to AI writing features, indicating a potential trend in the smartphone industry towards broader integration of such tools.

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

November 14, 2024

Google’s new app will help warn you about nude images in Messages

Google has started rolling out the Android System SafetyCore app via Google Play, which will enhance user safety by powering the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in the Google Messages app. This feature aims to provide alerts about the risks associated with sending or receiving nude images, blurring potentially explicit images before they are displayed. The Sensitive Content Warnings feature will be available on devices running Android 9 or later, with adults having the option to activate it, while users under 18 will be automatically opted in. The Android System SafetyCore app serves as a system service providing safety features for Android devices and supports the contact verification feature in Google Messages. It is described as an "Android system component that provides privacy-preserving on-device user protection infrastructure for apps" and may eventually be available on Google TV.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Google Messages may gain more privacy options with Profile discovery

The latest beta version of the Google Messages app introduces enhancements to its Profile discovery feature, allowing users to conceal their name and profile picture from contacts or display them only to those they converse with. This feature was first launched in November of the previous year but has not been widely rolled out. The beta version v20241010 indicates that Google is responding to user feedback for improved privacy controls. Currently, users can only use images from their Google or Gmail accounts as profile pictures, but future updates may allow for customization. An official rollout of the new privacy options appears imminent, as indicated by their presence on a Google Messages support page.

AppWizard

September 4, 2024

Android 101: Transfer Your Old Chats from Samsung to Google Messages App

Samsung is transitioning from its Messages app to the Google Messages app on Galaxy devices, encouraging users to migrate for a smoother experience. The switch is not mandatory, but Google Messages offers advanced features like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and end-to-end encryption. Migrating from Samsung Messages to Google Messages is simplified, requiring just a few taps without losing existing messages or chat history. Users should ensure Google Messages is installed and that they are logged into the same Google account used with Samsung Messages. The migration process involves launching Google Messages, setting it as the default app, and confirming the change. If old messages do not sync, users should check their internet connection and ensure they are using the correct Google account.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Google app expands to Windows laptops with new ‘Essentials’ tool

Google is launching a new tool called Google Essentials to enhance the integration of its applications and services with Windows laptops, initially available on HP's Spectre, Envy, Pavilion, OMEN, and Victus series, with plans to extend to OmniBook models. The app serves as a gateway to various Google services, including Google Play Games, Google Photos, and Google Messages, and is designed to improve user experiences on Windows devices. Google Essentials allows synchronization of mobile gaming progress with PC gaming, particularly for users of laptops powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 3nm chip. Users can access Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar through quick links, and Google One subscribers can enjoy a two-month trial of Google One 100GB for cloud storage. Users have the option to uninstall Google Essentials and associated services if desired, and Google plans to expand the app's availability to more laptop and desktop models in the future.

AppWizard

July 5, 2024

‘Super weird’ Android problem is playing havoc with notifications, users claim

- Issue affecting some Google Pixel owners: Users are experiencing a bug with the Google Messages app where text notifications disappear immediately after appearing.

AppWizard

June 30, 2024

Gemini AI is now available in the Google Messages app on Android

Gemini AI will appear as a new action button next to the Start Chat button, allowing users to quickly access various AI features without leaving the app. Gemini AI does not read private conversations or track users' location, limiting itself to general data about IP address or home address. Chat history with Gemini is stored by default for up to 18 months, but this period can be changed in the app settings.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

How to use Gemini in Google Messages

Gemini in Google Messages can be used on Android devices with 6GB of RAM or higher, a supported language set on the phone, a personal Google Account managed by the user, being 18 or over, and having RCS chats turned on.