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 filled with

Gemini
-based AI options, it provides encrypted

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

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

working on several new features
for its Messages app. These embody a devoted unsubscribe button for coping with spam threads, an automated 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 parents over at Android Authority.

These new Messages updates are thrilling, however I can not assist however want Google would do much more to push its texting platform ahead. I have been clamoring for a specific set of options for a while now — I hope the corporate ultimately will get round to addressing not less than a few 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 instantaneous messaging companies (in addition to most

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

I admire Google’s Pixel UI mantra of stylish 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 provides. That being stated, a 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.

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2

A built-in recycling bin

To safeguard towards unintentional deletion

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

The utility of a devoted recycle bin is evident — siloing away deleted textual content threads for a month previous to everlasting deletion is an effective way to safeguard towards unintentional lack of essential conversations. Our PCs and our photograph library apps embody a trash bin for a motive, and messaging companies ought to be no completely different.

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3

An non-obligatory ship delay setting

To avoid wasting from embarrassing typos and regrettable texts

The ship delay setting is my private favourite function 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 supplies a window of alternative to cancel a textual content message earlier than it has the prospect to be delivered.

On Texta, I set my ship delay setting to three seconds, however the function could be configured to be as brief as 1 second, or so long as 9 seconds in delay size. I are likely to make a variety 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.

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4

The return of class tabs

To raised 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, provides, one-time passwords (OTPs), and extra. Sadly, this function has by no means been given the prospect to see the sunshine of day, regardless of its apparent utility.

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

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5

Outgoing message signatures

So as to add a splash of professionalism to the combo

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 concept and implement it immediately 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 folks you do not chat with regularly, it supplies a fast and straightforward technique 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.

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6

Google Allo’s Whisper Shout function

One among 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 function has but to be revived in Messages type — Whisper Shout. By holding down the ship button, you have been in a position to 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 delivered to my textual content threads again within the day, and I proceed to cross my fingers in hope of its well-deserved return.

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