Google Messages is becoming one of the most feature-rich messaging clients on mobile with tons of features. The RCS app’s selection of settings makes it a fantastic default messaging app for the Google Pixel or any Android phone. This guide will take you through everything we think you should set up in Google Messages on your Android device.
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Damien is 9to5Google‘s resident Video Producer and has over a decade of UK media experience. He worked within the sports industry and with numerous sports-focused publications — including golfing publication National Club Golfer — prior to joining the 9to5Google team.
After completing a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Hull with a major focus on data analytics and UX, he joined the Press Association (now PA Media), developing growing sports data products for the Barclay’s Premier League. These’s data packages included the now-defunct ACTIM Index which eventually evolved into the EA Sports Player Performance Index.
While working with the UK’s largest media agency, he attained a MA in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University after completing his studies in 2014. This is where a love affair with all things videography surfaced after a brief stint in student TV. A major interest and constantly growing know-how of technology and videography have seen Damien lead 9to5Google’s official YouTube channel since 2018. He previously hosted the 9to5Google Daily podcast from 2019 to 2021.
Damien’s expertise and focus area lie in a number of beats including Android and OEM software updates, mobile applications, smartphone and accessory reviews, and just about anything that makes a modern mobile nerd tick. He says that he is “platform agnostic” despite primarily using Android devices and attempts to regularly test the iOS waters to better understand the nuances of the tech he covers on a day-to-day basis.
Outside of the tech space Damien is an avid supporter of his boyhood soccer team Hull City and is even a fully qualified Barista — with 3 years of experience making speciality coffee. Be sure to follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for insights and upcoming video updates and tidbits. If you are interested, you can also check out just what video gear he is currently using on his dedicated Kit.co page.
This is what you think was the best Android phone of 2024
After thousands of votes, we now have an outright winner for the best Android phone of 2024 – here are the results of our public vote.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of our favorite Pixel Watch 3 accessories [Video]
It’s been a minute since the Pixel Watch 3 launched, but there still isn’t a wealth of accessories to choose from. We’ve spent time testing and trialing some of the small pool – and here are some of our favorites.
Expand Expanding CloseSome of the best Pixel 9 Pro Fold accessories for you to try [Video]
Google’s most expensive smartphone isn’t devoid of accessories, but getting high-quality options for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold isn’t as easy as other phones. Here are some of our favorite options to pair with the phone-tablet hybrid.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat was the best Google product release of 2024? [Poll]
We’re fast approaching the end of 2024, and while we could tell you what we think is the best Google product, software, or service release of the year, we’d rather get your opinions and let you have your say.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat was the best Android phone of 2024? [Poll]
2024 has been a solid year once again for Android phones. Taking stock of what has been released, you’d be hard-pressed to buy or pick an objectively “bad” device. That said, what was your pick for the “best Android phone of 2024”? Have your say here.
Expand Expanding CloseSome more of our favorite Pixel 9 accessories [Video]
You might be on the lookout for some decent or solid Pixel 9 accessories, luckily we’re way ahead of you and have tested lots of crud to find the gems. Here are a few more of our favorites that we think you might want to take a look at.
Expand Expanding CloseOne UI 7.0: Some of our favorite new features [Video]
Samsung is way behind schedule with its Android 15 release, but the One UI 7.0 Beta is now available and gives us a sneak peek at what we can expect in the coming weeks. Here are some of our favorite new functions and features in the One UI 7.0 for Samsung phones.
Expand Expanding CloseHow long will my Google Pixel be supported? [Video]
The Google Pixel series is known for regular security patches and updates, but that has changed to one of the longest official support windows in the industry. If you have a Pixel, here’s how long your device will be supported—and steps if it isn’t supported anymore.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 Pro Fold long-term review: The middle page of Pixel [Video]
Google’s most expensive phone was the last to hit the market, but now, some three months later, just what is it like to live with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? This is our longer-term look at the latest folding Pixel phone.
Expand Expanding CloseEvolution X 10 ROM launches based on Android 15
The third-party ROM scene is a shadow of its former self, but some bigger projects are still being maintained. One of these is Evolution X, and Android 15 builds are now available.
Expand Expanding CloseAre there enough premium Pixel accessories? [Poll]
Do we have enough “premium” accessories for the Google Pixel lineup? With increasing prominence, growing sales, and people making the switch, are third-party accessory makers letting the team down?
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 9 long-term review: No longer the best base model [Video]
Thanks to Google’s decision to get ahead of the curve and drop new devices in August, we’re almost 100 days into the life of the Pixel 9. The big drop of Android 15 means the final piece of the puzzle has been added, but does that make the entry-level model a better buy?
Expand Expanding CloseIs YouTube Premium worth it? [Poll]
YouTube Premium is one of a mountain of subscription plans for streaming services, but it’s for the biggest video-sharing platform on the planet – do you think it’s worth it?
Expand Expanding Close2024 Pixel Buyer’s Guide: Which is the right Google phone for you? [Video]
It’s that time of year when people might be looking to upgrade their phones. In 2024, we had 5 brand new Google Pixel phones to contend with—plus the previous generations sticking around—but how do you decide which is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseGalaxy Tab S10+ review: Perfect if you can stomach the price [Video]
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is positioned as a premium powerhouse player in the Android tablet space – but just how good is it?
Expand Expanding CloseWhat do you want to see from Android 16? [Poll]
We have barely had time to process Android 15, but now we have the start of the next OS development cycle. This raises the question: What do you want to see from Android 16?
Expand Expanding CloseFitbit might come preloaded on your next Android phone
With the launch of the global Oppo Find X8 series, we’ve noticed that Fitbit is now preloaded on the device as part of Google’s Android app suite, but this could become more common in the not-too-distant future.
Expand Expanding CloseYouTube Music rolling out 2024 Recap with ‘Your music character’
YouTube Music is already rolling out the 2024 Recap to streaming service users. The summary builds on the previous yearly updates of your listening habits.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 DP1: Wi-Fi QR code sharing gets a cute Material You makeover
The Wi-Fi QR code sharing menu in Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has received a lick of paint and now has new visuals when connecting other devices.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid 16 DP1: ‘Audio sharing’ lets you share music on multiple headphones
The latest Android 16 Developer Preview is now live and while it doesn’t bring many huge user-facing changes, there are some that have been spotted before and now live. One such feature is Audio sharing, which can be enabled and activated in Android 16 Developer Preview 1.
Expand Expanding ClosePixel 6 vs. Pixel 9: Is now the time to upgrade? [Video]
We’re a few months down the line form the Pixel 9 launch and those with a Pixel 6 might be thinking “should I upgrade?” Here’s everything you need to know.
Expand Expanding CloseArc Search for Android leaves beta, adds Voice Search, widgets, and more
After a brief beta period, Arc Search for Android is now officially available to all via the Google Play Store, with a number of new features.
Expand Expanding CloseSteam Link for Android TV adds HDR, AV1 codec, Surround Sound support, and more
If you like to play games from your PC on your couch, the Steam Link app for Android TV is a great way to do so. The latest Steam Link v1.3.12 for Android TV has received some important quality-of-life upgrades to enhance that experience.
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