NewApp Digest
search bot

Google Messages

Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles

Google is introducing a feature called Low Light Boost for its messaging platform's in-app camera preview, aimed at improving visibility in dim lighting. This feature brightens the viewfinder in real-time, allowing users to frame their shots better before taking a photo. Low Light Boost adjusts brightness based on surrounding light conditions and operates instantly, unlike traditional Night Mode. There are two methods for implementing Low Light Boost: 1. Low-Light Boost AE Mode, a hardware-level auto-exposure mode available on devices running Android 15 or later, specifically on Pixel 10 devices. 2. Google Low Light Boost, a software-based solution (HDRNet) for devices that do not support AE mode, enhancing brightness through post-processing techniques. The latest beta version of Google Messages, v20260501, includes code hints for the integration of Low Light Boost, although it is not yet fully operational. The feature enhances the viewfinder experience but does not affect the quality of the final image, which requires a separate Night Mode.
20 tricks for more efficient Android messaging
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

20 tricks for more efficient Android messaging

The Google Messages app for Android has introduced a feature that allows users to locate and restore deleted messages. Users can personalize notification icons by transforming their face into an icon. The app includes a Priority conversation setting that lets users assign special sounds to individual messages. A snooze option allows users to temporarily dismiss messages without missing them, and timestamps in messages link to the user's calendar. Event creation has been simplified with a new button next to text suggestions, and users can send messages at any time. The search functionality is enhanced for finding conversations, and each conversation can be assigned a distinctive color for better organization. In-line video expansion and enriched web links improve content viewing, and customizable swipe actions streamline navigation within the app.
Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Tired Of Google Messages? These 4 Texting Apps Might Be Better For You

Samsung plans to retire its proprietary messaging app by July 2026, leading many Android users to rely on Google Messages. Major carriers like AT&T have stopped supporting their own messaging apps, potentially creating a monopoly. Alternative SMS-enabled apps include: - Pulse SMS: Syncs across devices, offers password-protected cloud backups, and has end-to-end encryption for stored conversations. It has a 3.6-star rating on Google Play. - Chomp SMS: Highly customizable with features like scheduled messages and block lists. It remains free with ads, but some users find the customization options complex. - Handcent Next SMS: Incorporates AI for features like text extraction and grammar checks. It has over one million downloads and a 4.4-star rating, but requests a high number of permissions. - Textra SMS: Offers faster performance and extensive customization, aiming to replace default messaging apps. It follows a "free forever" model but lacks cross-device functionality and encryption. The selection of these alternatives was based on Google Play ratings above 3.5 stars, a minimum of 50,000 user reviews, and recent updates.
Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives
AppWizard
April 19, 2026

Samsung Messages is going away, so here are 5 the best messaging alternatives

Samsung will officially cease operations of its Samsung Messages app in July 2026 and has stopped pre-installing it on newer Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S26 series. Users can continue to send messages through the app until the shutdown, but emergency services and specific contacts will not be supported. Samsung is directing users to Google Messages as the official alternative, which supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) and is the default messaging app on most Android devices. Google Messages offers features such as reliable cross-texting with iPhone users, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, message reactions, and built-in spam protection. Alternatives to RCS include WhatsApp, which offers voice and video calls, group chats, and message reactions, but has raised privacy concerns. Telegram allows large group chats, channels, and file sharing but lacks end-to-end encryption by default. Signal provides end-to-end encryption for all communications and collects minimal user data, making it the most secure option. Customizable SMS apps like Textra and QUIK SMS do not support RCS, making Google Messages the most viable option for RCS functionality.
Samsung Is Ending Its Messages App — What You Need to Do Before July
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Samsung Is Ending Its Messages App — What You Need to Do Before July

Samsung is phasing out its native Messages app in favor of Google Messages, with the complete transition expected by the end of July. After this date, users who have not switched may be unable to send or receive messages through Samsung Messages. The change primarily affects users still using Samsung Messages as their default app, while those already on Google Messages will likely notice no difference. Samsung's move aligns with a trend towards a unified messaging platform that supports Rich Communication Services (RCS), enhancing SMS features. Existing messages and contacts should transfer to Google Messages, but users are advised to back up their devices beforehand. Most recent Samsung Galaxy devices support Google Messages, but older devices may require a manual download. Users are encouraged to switch to Google Messages early to minimize disruptions.
Survey reveals a surprising amount of love for this condemned Samsung app
AppWizard
April 14, 2026

Survey reveals a surprising amount of love for this condemned Samsung app

Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its messaging app, Samsung Messages, effective July. The company is shifting its focus to Google Messages, which has been the default option since 2022. A reader poll showed that 66% of participants preferred Samsung Messages, while 11% believed it was time to retire the app, and 16% had already switched to Google Messages. Users expressed mixed feelings about the transition, with some frustrated by Google's dominance in messaging standards and others appreciating the RCS features of Google Messages. Concerns were raised about the functionality of Google Messages compared to alternatives, and some users reported having already transitioned to Google Messages prior to the announcement.
Google Messages now gives you a second chance to recover deleted chats
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

Google Messages now gives you a second chance to recover deleted chats

Google Messages has introduced a trash folder feature that allows users to recover deleted chats. Deleted conversations will remain in the trash for 30 days, during which users can restore or permanently delete them. New messages from previously deleted chats will appear as new threads, without restoring the original conversation.
Search