6 texting options I want have been part of Google ...

Google Messages
has solidified itself because the go-to textual content messaging platform throughout a lot of the Android ecosystem. It is full of

Gemini
-based AI options, it presents encrypted

RCS tech
, and it effortlessly syncs information throughout the broader Google software program ecosystem.

It has not too long ago come to gentle that Google is

working on several new features
for its Messages app. These embrace a devoted unsubscribe button for coping with spam threads, an computerized delicate content material warning system, real-time location sharing, and in-line PDF previewing. A few of these additions have been confirmed by the search giant, whereas others have been uncovered through APK teardowns from the oldsters over at Android Authority.

These new Messages updates are thrilling, however I am unable to assist however want Google would do much more to push its texting platform ahead. I have been clamoring for a selected set of options for a while now — I hope the corporate finally will get round to addressing no less than a number of the following six wishlist entries of mine within the close to future.

1

Customizable chat threads

For a splash of chat room persona

In comparison with many third-party prompt messaging companies (in addition to most

third-party Android SMS apps
), Google Messages lacks a lot in the best way of in-chat customization. You may’t modify the wallpaper on a per-chat room foundation, and you may’t tweak accent colours, fonts, or every other interface components.

I recognize Google’s Pixel UI mantra of chic simplicity, and I would not anticipate the corporate to include the kind of granular management over textual content bubbles and emoji kinds that one thing like Textra presents. That being stated, a little bit little bit of personalization goes a good distance in making textual content threads really feel extra human, and I would welcome the inclusion of any new customization choices with open arms.

Associated

These new Google Messages features make Android texting better for everyone

The newest seize bag of Google Messages options bodes properly for the way forward for textual content messaging on Android.

2

A built-in recycling bin

To safeguard in opposition to unintended deletion

A devoted trash part throughout the Google Messages app is the kind of factor that ought to’ve been applied into the expertise from the very starting. Many various texting apps — together with Samsung Messages — have supplied this primary performance for fairly a while now.

The utility of a devoted recycle bin is obvious — siloing away deleted textual content threads for a month previous to everlasting deletion is a good way to safeguard in opposition to unintended lack of vital conversations. Our PCs and our photograph library apps embrace a trash bin for a cause, and messaging companies ought to be no completely different.

Associated

Google Messages is set to get even more useful thanks to a new update

Google is engaged on two new options for its RCS Messages platform on Android: a delicate content material warning system, and real-time location sharing.

3

An optionally available ship delay setting

To avoid wasting from embarrassing typos and regrettable texts

The ship delay setting is my private favourite characteristic present in third-party Android SMS apps like Texta. I am unsure why it hasn’t caught on throughout mainstream messaging companies, however I would like to see Google add the choice to its Messages app. When enabled, ship delay gives a window of alternative to cancel a textual content message earlier than it has the possibility to be delivered.

On Texta, I set my ship delay setting to three seconds, however the characteristic might be configured to be as quick as 1 second, or so long as 9 seconds in delay size. I are inclined to make a whole lot of typos whereas utilizing a software program keyboard, and ship delay has saved me from a number of embarrassingly botched sentences all through the years.

Associated

I tried convincing my friend to switch to Google Messages, and it didn’t go well

Google Messages has change into the de facto texting platform for Android – here is why that issues a lot.

4

The return of class tabs

To higher hold observe of message threads

Again round 2020, Google was experimenting with including textual content message auto-categorization into its Messages app. These classes have been to seem close to the highest of the display as particular person tabs, with sorting choices for transactions, presents, one-time passwords (OTPs), and extra. Sadly, this characteristic has by no means been given the possibility to see the sunshine of day, regardless of its apparent utility.

On Samsung Messages, it is doable to create customized textual content message classes, which is an much more helpful implementation of the characteristic for us organizational freaks of the world. Personally, I’ve set mine up with devoted tabs for work, college, and miscellaneous, however the choices are countless.

Associated

These 6 third-party Android messaging apps bring me back to the glory days of SMS texting

Google Messages is not the one Android texting app on the town — listed below are some wonderful third-party options.

5

Outgoing message signatures

So as to add a splash of professionalism to the combination

Computerized message signatures have been an e mail service staple for years, and I feel it is excessive time they change into commonplace on the planet of textual content messaging. Some third-party SMS apps present this performance out of the field, and I would like to see Google scoop up the thought and implement it instantly into its personal Messages service.

Inside many enterprise {and professional} contexts, the flexibility to set-and-forget a default message signature is invaluable. When sending out messages to individuals you do not chat with frequently, it gives a fast and simple option to talk particulars together with who you might be, what group you are related to, and what place you would possibly maintain at stated group.

Associated

How to easily switch your Android phone’s default SMS texting app

Android makes it easy to modify from one default texting app to the following — here is easy methods to begin messaging associates with Textra, Chomp, et al.

6

Google Allo’s Whisper Shout characteristic

One in every of Google’s strangest spin-off messaging companies, Allo,

was released in 2016
, after which subsequently shut down in 2019. The messenger was designed to showcase the then-new Google Assistant chatbot, however a lot of its AI performance was later ported into the flagship Google Messages expertise.

Sadly, my favourite Google Allo characteristic has but to be revived in Messages kind — Whisper Shout. By holding down the ship button, you have been capable of drag a slider up or down to regulate the dimensions of a textual content bubble previous to sending it off. It is stunning how a lot extra appeal Whisper Shout dropped at my textual content threads again within the day, and I proceed to cross my fingers in hope of its well-deserved return.

Associated

5 reasons why I don’t send old-fashioned SMS text messages anymore

SMS stays a generally used texting normal throughout North America — here is why I’ve transitioned to the superior RCS protocol.