Google Messages just got an official beta program late last week, but no updates were delivered right off the bat. Today, Google Messages v4.7 has been released to beta testers, but you should avoid installing it because it crashes on startup.
Android Messages Stories July 12, 2019
Android Messages Stories July 8, 2019
It’s not uncommon for Google to open up public beta programs for its various applications, and today that’s being extended to Google Messages. Starting today, there’s an open beta available for Google Messages. Here’s how to join.
Android Messages Stories June 17, 2019
With Rich Communication Services slow to proliferate around the world, Google announced today that it’s stepping in to help boost adoption. The company is specifically offering to handle RCS rollout so that individual carriers do not have to.
Android Messages Stories May 27, 2019
Google’s Messages app surpasses 500 million Play Store installs
Google’s Messages app has slowly been making its way to more devices in the Android ecosystem via the Play Store. Recently, the app surpassed 500 million installs, a milestone for any application.
Android Messages Stories May 23, 2019
The rollout of RCS messaging has been incredibly slow, and it doesn’t help that even when you have it, it can be hard to tell. In the latest update for Messages, Google has quietly added a status indicator to the app’s settings to show when you’re connected and ready for RCS messaging.
Android Messages Stories May 21, 2019
During MWC earlier this year, Google confirmed that the Assistant would be coming soon to their Messages app. At the time, no specific timeline was shared for when the Assistant would land on our devices. With today’s Messages for Android update, the Google Assistant is arriving for some, bringing useful contextual suggestions.
Android Messages Stories April 15, 2019
RCS messaging extends to dual-SIM Android phones, rolling out to some users in North America
Google is putting all of its cards in messaging on RCS, but carriers are being very slow to roll it out. This past week, though, some dual-SIM Android users noticed RCS going live on their devices in North America.
Android Messages Stories March 26, 2019
Last year, a change to Chrome OS revealed that Messages for Web would be transitioning from Android.com to Google.com. This lined up with the recent transition from the “Android Messages” name to simply “Messages.” Today, a slightly updated version of Messages for Web with RCS settings has gone live on Google.com.
Android Messages Stories March 11, 2019
Ahead of Google Allo shutting down tomorrow, the latest version of Messages is rolling out today by laying the groundwork for Google Assistant. Messages 4.1 prepares for the Assistant features first shown off at MWC last month. Meanwhile, “smart suggestions” are already live with this release.
Android Messages Stories February 25, 2019
Following yesterday’s MWC 2019 announcement that more phones will feature dedicated hardware buttons, Google is expanding where users can access Assistant. It will soon be available in Messages for Android, and coming to more languages in Google Maps.
Android Messages Stories December 28, 2018
Google begins rolling out Spam Protection in Messages
Earlier this month, our APK Insight of Messages 3.9 revealed Google’s work on “Spam Protection” for Android’s default SMS/RCS client. The feature is now beginning to roll out for some users.
Android Messages Stories December 26, 2018
In yet another nail in the coffin for the Android brand, Google will soon move its Messages web app from Android.com to Google.com, according to an upcoming change to Chrome OS.
Android Messages Stories December 7, 2018
This week, Google reiterated that Messages with RCS is its primary communication service for consumers. Messages 3.9 is rolling out today with work on spam protection and more types of file sharing, including calendar and documents.
Over the past week, the narrative around Google’s messaging and communication services has been defined by a spate of planned deprecations — both of which 9to5Google first reported about. While older services will be “sunset,” the company’s vision for consumers hasn’t changed much since earlier this year, revolving around RCS “Chat” and Google Duo video calling.
However, complicating this dual-service future now is the newly-revealed fact that the enterprise-focused Hangouts Chat and Meet will also be available to consumers, and that Google Voice is still an active service. This is just the latest in Google’s tangled and sometimes incoherent strategy for simply saying “Hello.”
Android Messages Stories December 5, 2018
[Update: Now back, Duo, Android Messages for Web too] With one foot in the grave, Google’s Allo is currently down for most users
Just a couple of hours ago, we reported that Google is preparing to pull the plug on its messaging service Allo. Now, Allo has gone down for many users across the globe.
Android Messages Stories December 2, 2018
According to source familiar with the product’s internal roadmap, Google Hangouts for consumers will be shutting down sometime in 2020. That’s not surprising at all since Google essentially ceased development on the app more than a year ago. But just know, going into 2019, this is indeed your last year to keep using the beloved (?) legacy chat app.
Android Messages Stories November 16, 2018
Universal Profile RCS might launch on Verizon in early 2019
When Google earlier this year detailed that its future consumer messaging effort would be centered around RCS and Messages, AT&T and Verizon also signaled that it would adopt the Universal Profile. The latter carrier might be launching support early next year.
Android Messages Stories November 14, 2018
In recent months, Google’s default Messages app has received a number of major updates including the Google Material Theme with dark mode, and advanced search filters. Now, Messages 3.8 is rolling out today with a revamped camera and gallery interface.
Android Messages Stories October 22, 2018
Chrome OS ‘Better Together’ integration w/ Android Messages rolling out on Developer channel
One aspect where Google has lagged behind Apple is in the creation of a coherent ecosystem, where each piece contributes to a greater whole. However, this is beginning to change. With Chrome OS’s “Better Together” initiative, Google promises to connect their laptop and smartphone operating systems. The first step of the plan is being tested now, with Android Messages integration.
Android Messages Stories October 15, 2018
[Update: Camera button] Messages 3.7 preps Google Assistant, more search filters, attachments [APK Insight]
Reflecting its new role as Google’s primary consumer messaging solution, Messages in recent months has received a number of updates. In the last version, search was significantly upgraded, while a Material Theme and dark mode were recently added. Messages 3.7 today continues work on adding Google Assistant and improving search.
Android Messages Stories September 26, 2018
In recent weeks, Android Messages has been redesigned with a Google Material Theme and dark mode, while also gaining a Messages for web client. Version 3.6 is now rolling out with advanced search and a new Material icon. Other new features include contact sharing and automatic previews.
Android Messages Stories September 25, 2018
Following Android Messages officially receiving a Google Material Theme and dark mode, the default SMS/RCS client is now slated for advanced search functionality. This revamp features a new design, filters, and is rolling out later this week.
Android Messages Stories September 12, 2018
RCS is the next big attempt spearheaded by Google to improve messaging on Android, and today Samsung has announced that it is working with Google to ensure that its messaging app works properly with RCS and Android Messages.
Android Messages Stories August 29, 2018
Android Messages for web updated w/ various Google Material Theme tweaks
Google’s default RCS and SMS client has seen a number of big developments in recent months, like becoming the company’s primary consumer messaging solution. Android Messages for web is now picking up some design tweaks to match the Google Material Theme redesign on mobile.
Android Messages Stories August 26, 2018
Unceremoniously pulled a day after being introduced, the Google Material Theme for Android Messages is now returning. A new version of the app is beginning to roll out today with features like dark mode available once more.
Android Messages Stories August 23, 2018
Earlier this year, Google announced a refined messaging strategy that centered around “Chat,” the company’s RCS initiative. At the core of that was the Android Messages app, and with a coming update, it seems Google Assistant will be integrating with that app…
Android Messages Stories August 18, 2018
PSA: Google is rolling back latest Android Messages update w/ Dark Mode
A few months after we first showed it to you, Google rolled out the new Material design for Android Messages just yesterday. Shortly after, though, Google has mysteriously rolled back that update.
Android Messages Stories August 16, 2018
After we first enabled it in June, Android Messages 3.5 is rolling out this morning with the Google Material Theme in tow. Meanwhile, a teardown of the latest version reveals work on customized stickers — a given for any Google product that is vaguely social — and revamped search that is still under development.
In recent weeks, Google Contacts, Duo, and Phone have all been updated with the Google Material Theme. We’ve been tracking a similar redesign for Android Messages since June and it’s now beginning to roll out today, alongside a dark mode.
Update 8/18: Google has rolled back the Material Theme update to Android Messages, thus removing the dark theme in the process. As we noted in our APK Insight of version 3.5, the redesign is rolling out via a server-side update.
Android Messages Stories July 19, 2018
The latest version of Android Messages is rolling out today with Google continuing development on two exciting features. The first involves the “dark mode” that we’ve previously spotted, but now functioning alongside the Material Theme redesign. Work also continues on Chromebook pairing for closer integration between phones and laptops.
Android Messages Stories July 6, 2018
Google last month introduced the highly anticipated ability to send and receive texts from the web. The feature reflects how Google is centering its messaging future around Android Messages and ultimately RCS. That standard, long touted as an upgrade to SMS, is finally getting adoption from all the key players around the world and users are closer than ever to benefiting from it.
But as the world makes this shift, it can be a bit confusing to see what distinguishes Google’s Android Messages app and the RCS standard. Oh, and what’s that “Chat” thing I’ve heard about?
Android Messages Stories June 28, 2018
Announced last week, Android Messages for web is now fully rolled out to all users that want to send text messages from a desktop. In addition to quick access to emoji and stickers, Messages for web supports sending kaomoji through convenient shortcuts that should be very familiar to Hangouts users.
Android Messages Stories June 26, 2018
Android Messages for Web went official just last week and so far, it seems like everyone is loving it. Having access to your messages from the desktop is great, but locking it to a tab can be a bit annoying. Thankfully, a third-party developer has managed to build an unofficial desktop client for all major platforms.
Android Messages for Web now available to everyone
Google’s messaging strategy has been a disaster for years, but lately, the company has been working to fix that. Recently, alongside the reveal of Google’s “Chat” RCS initiative, the web client for Android Messages went official. Now, that handy tool is available for everyone.
Android Messages Stories June 18, 2018
After years of solutions from third-party developers, Google is finally offering an official way to send and receive messages from a desktop. Simple and built into Android’s official SMS/RCS client, Messages for web will likely see a wide adoption and give Google’s mobile OS a way to compete with Apple and iMessage.
Following the web component going live this morning, Google has officially launched Android Messages for web. The feature allows Android users to send and receive SMS/RCS messages on a desktop computer through the web.
Google revealed in April that its primary messaging service for consumers would be based on RCS, with messages sent over the SMS successor referred to as a “chat” instead of a “text.” Those features will be built into the existing Android Messages client with Assistant and Message for web functionality touted. That latter feature, specifically the web component, is now beginning to roll out.
How to use Android Messages for web
At long last, Google has introduced Android messages for web which allows users to send and receive text messages on their computers. The functionality is still rolling out, but if it’s live in your Messages app, here’s how to set everything up.
How to make Android Messages your default SMS app
With Google adding more features to Android Messages such as RCS support and the ability to text from the web, you might be interested in making it your default SMS app. If so, the steps are pretty straightforward, and once you make the switch, you won’t have to touch it again. Here’s how.
Android Messages Stories June 11, 2018
Along with the upcoming Messages for web feature, the latest version of Android Messages reveals that Google is working on a Material Theme for its default RCS client. We’ve managed to enable this under development look that brings the app in line with other recently updated Google services. There is also an in-progress revamp to search functionality that includes filters and GIF lookup.
Android Messages Stories June 8, 2018
Google appears to be working on Android Messages integration within Chrome OS
Google’s messaging strategy has been a mess for years, but with the company’s “Chat” RCS initiative on the horizon, things are definitely looking up. Now, in addition to a web client for Android Messages, it appears the company is also working on a Chrome OS client.
Android Messages Stories May 7, 2018
Since our last APK Insight of Android Messages, Google announced a significant rebrand of its RCS initiative. Upcoming Chat features include Messages for Web, Smart Reply, read receipts, and much more. Version 3.2 rolling out today reveals more about how the web client will work and a possible dark mode.
Android Messages Stories April 19, 2018
Over a year ago, Google announced that Android Messages would be preloaded by 20+ OEMs as the official RCS client. Now, Google is finalizing its RCS partnerships with carriers and OEMs and will be calling the RCS standard “Chat.”
Android Messages Stories March 15, 2018
With version 3.0 of Android Messages beginning to roll out this week, Google is already working on the next update to the SMS and RCS client. We’ve received a dogfood (or internal test) version of Android Messages 3.1 and it reveals upcoming support for Android P, a built-in GIF picker, and more about the web app.
Android Messages Stories February 22, 2018
From Android Messages hinting at a push to Hiroshi Lockheimer noting it for MWC, Google is working to replace SMS with Rich Communication Services. The latest development sees the first stores and end users in the U.S. able to take advantage of business messaging features.
Android Messages Stories February 9, 2018
Version 2.9 of Android Messages is rolling out and a teardown reveals that Google has very big plans for its official SMS/RCS client. Currently in development is an Allo-like web client that would allow users to check and reply to messages on the web. Meanwhile, this latest update also reveals Google Pay integration and a push to increase RCS adoption. expand full story
Android Messages Stories February 8, 2018
Google has what feels like a million messaging apps right now, but most of the company’s best ideas have landed in the severely underused Allo. Now, though, it seems Google is planning to bring one of Allo’s best new features, a web interface, to its SMS app Android Messages.
Android Messages Stories January 24, 2018
Google rolling out Smart Reply to Android Messages for Project Fi
Found in Allo, Gmail, and Inbox, Smart Reply is a convenient time saver that suggests responses based on the context of a conversation. Today, the feature is rolling out to Project Fi subscribers who use Android Messages.
