Messages app

Winsage
August 3, 2026
Windows Insiders can access new features in Windows 11 Insider Build 26300.9032, available through the Experimental Preview Channel. Key updates include: - Windows Search: Introduces customizable options for integrating personal or work/school Microsoft accounts and OneDrive in search results. It can automatically expand indexing based on user activity, which can be managed in Settings > Privacy & security > Search. - Phone Link: Users can now preview recent messages or notifications by hovering over them in the Start menu, enhancing visibility into mobile activity. This feature is gradually rolling out and requires a minimum Phone Link build of 1.26021.3.0. - Settings App: Improved search functionality for quicker navigation to relevant settings. - Adaptive Hibernate Policy: Enhancements for instant-on resumes from Modern Standby and better battery preservation based on battery levels. - Start Menu: A fix for an issue causing crashes when dragging apps. - Taskbar: Resolved an issue where hovering over app window previews in an overflow state dismissed them. - File Explorer: Home now retains the state of sections, and improvements have been made for reliability when dragging files to disconnected network drives. Issues with files on DFS mapped drives being misidentified have also been addressed. - Windows Spotlight: Changes to enhance reliability on the lock screen. - Storage: Fixes for File History automatic backups to network shares that displayed false "invalid credentials" errors.
AppWizard
July 30, 2026
Samsung has phased out its Samsung Messages app in the U.S., leading users to switch to Google Messages. A new third-party app, Messages by OzarksMade, has been developed to replicate the look and feel of Samsung's original messaging tool. This app offers two modes: Standalone Mode for SMS and MMS messaging, and Companion Mode for Rich Communication Services (RCS) features, which relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app. Messages by OzarksMade is currently in open beta testing on Google Play and will be officially launched for a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Samsung has officially phased out its native Samsung Messages app in the United States, prompting long-time Galaxy users to transition to Google Messages as their default text messaging client. For those who find themselves nostalgic for the familiar interface and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new alternative has emerged to fill that void. Enter Messages by OzarksMade—a third-party application designed to replicate the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung’s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch Created by the U.S.-based developer OzarksMade, this app specifically caters to enthusiasts of One UI, incorporating classic design elements such as rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovering deleted texts, as reported by Android Authority. Messages by OzarksMade offers two distinct operational modes tailored to different texting needs: Standalone Mode: This basic setup allows users to send traditional SMS and MMS messages directly, without any additional software requirements. Companion Mode: For those seeking the full suite of Rich Communication Services (RCS) features—such as typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app seamlessly transitions into this mode. However, it’s important to note that Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. Consequently, Companion Mode operates by leveraging the pre-installed Google Messages app, which runs quietly in the background. The developer has indicated that this setup utilizes Google’s Jibe infrastructure, the same backend that powered Samsung Messages for seven years. As a result, users can enjoy the same reliable messaging experience while wrapped in the nostalgic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles Currently, Messages by OzarksMade is in an open beta testing phase available through Google Play. The developer plans to officially launch the app 14 days after its Google Group testing reaches a minimum of 12 members. Upon completion of the development phase, the app will be offered for a one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Samsung officially retired its native Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Earlier this month, steering long-time Galaxy owners toward Google Messages as the default text client. However, for users who miss the familiar layout, colors, and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new third-party creation wants to bring that exact experience back. We’re talking about Messages by OzarksMade, an alternative, third-party app that recreates the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung‘s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch The tool was developed by U.S.-based creator OzarksMade. It explicitly targets One UI enthusiasts, copying classic layout touches like rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovered texts (via Android Authority). It offers two distinct operational setups depending on your texting needs. The basic Standalone Mode handles traditional SMS and MMS texting directly without extra software dependencies. Then, for full Rich Communication Services (RCS) chat features—including typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app switches to Companion Mode. Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. So, Companion Mode relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app running silently in the background. The developer notes this uses Google’s Jibe infrastructure—the same backend Samsung Messages used for seven years. This means your texts travel through identical networks while wrapped in the classic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles The app is currently running an open beta testing phase through Google Play. There are plans to officially launch 14 days after its Google Group testing threshold reaches 12 members. Once development finishes and the app leaves beta, OzarksMade plans to sell it for a one-time purchase price of $0.99. Scheduled updates already promise to add customizable chat themes, which are missing from the current beta build. That said, using an unofficial clone comes with obvious caveats. Handing text permissions to a new third-party developer requires caution, and copying Samsung’s interface, icon, and branding so closely could attract copyright scrutiny if Samsung decides the design steps on its intellectual property rights." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Future updates are already on the horizon, promising to introduce customizable chat themes, which are not yet available in the current beta version. Nevertheless, potential users should exercise caution when considering this unofficial clone. Granting text permissions to a new third-party developer raises privacy concerns, and the close imitation of Samsung’s interface, icons, and branding could invite copyright scrutiny if Samsung perceives that the design infringes upon its intellectual property rights." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 after reaching a minimum of 12 testers. Future updates will include customizable chat themes. Users should be cautious about privacy and potential copyright issues due to the app's close imitation of Samsung's design.
Winsage
July 12, 2026
Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 user experience by improving the integration of smartphones through significant upgrades to the Phone Link feature. Key upgrades include enhancements to the Phone Companion feature in the Start menu, allowing users to view recent activities and notifications without launching the app. A new smartphone flyout will be tested in the Taskbar's system tray, displaying a phone icon for connected devices and offering quick access to settings and file sharing. Clipboard history synchronization between the phone and PC is also being considered, enabling users to access a comprehensive list of copied content. Additionally, a standalone Messages app for Windows 11 is in development, allowing users to sync SMS conversations and respond directly from their PC. These features are in the exploration and prototyping stages, with feedback from Insiders expected before any final decisions are made. Microsoft aims to create a cohesive ecosystem where smartphones and PCs work seamlessly together.
AppWizard
July 3, 2026
Samsung has confirmed the closure of its Messages app, which will officially cease operations on July 6. This decision follows the transition to Google Messages as the default texting app on Galaxy devices, starting in 2022. Samsung stopped pre-installing its messaging app on Galaxy phones sold in the U.S. by 2024 and briefly revived it in 2025 before deciding to discontinue it. The closure will primarily affect Galaxy devices running Android 12 or newer, while older models will still have access to Samsung Messages. Users with Galaxy devices on Android 14 or later will be redirected to Google Messages automatically. A poll indicated that many users are hesitant to switch to Google Messages due to their preference for Samsung's app layout and customization options.
AppWizard
July 1, 2026
Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its Samsung Messages app for Galaxy phone users, effective July 2026. Users on Android 11 and earlier will still have access to the app until it ceases to function, but they will lose regular messaging capabilities. Emergency services can still be contacted through the app. Samsung is facilitating a transition to Google Messages, which will serve as the official replacement, and has provided resources to help users transfer their message history. Google Messages has evolved significantly and may offer enhanced features to ease the transition.
AppWizard
June 1, 2026
Samsung Messages will cease to function in July 2026, resulting in the loss of any unmigrated text history. Users are encouraged to transition to Google Messages, which offers features like RCS-enabled texting, high-quality image sharing, AI-powered spam detection, multi-device access, and Gemini AI features. Samsung provides instructions for this migration, especially for users on Android 12 and 13. The exact date in July for the service discontinuation is unspecified, but only emergency messaging will remain functional afterward. Samsung Messages was no longer the default app since 2021 and stopped being preinstalled in 2024. Users on Android 11 or earlier are not directly affected but are advised to switch to Google Messages. Older Galaxy Watches running Tizen will have limited access to conversation histories, while newer models on WearOS will retain full access.
AppWizard
April 24, 2026
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.
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