The new Google messages update makes messaging more engaging on Android

In November, one of the cool add-ons Google Messages introduced was Photomoji, powered by on-device Google AI.

It’s not just the blue bubbles on Apple’s iMessage that give iPhone users bragging rights. It’s also the fun emojis. Google has rolled out an all-new emoji reactions features. This follows an earlier announcement that Google’s Gemini AI is coming to Google messages. This is a significant update, one that allows you to use the Gemini AI chatbot straight form Google messages.

Google put out some sample scenarios where Gemini AI might be able to help including help with drafting craft a message to reconnect with a friend or conversation starters at a social event. You will be able to approve or disapprove with a tap of a thumbs up or thumbs down. Conversations will only be one-to-one. It’s currently being released only to beta testers now.

In November 2023, Google celebrated 1 billion RCS (Rich Communication Services) users on messages with multiple design enhancements to give text conversations a boost. One of these cool add-ons was Photomoji, powered by on-device Google AI. You tap and hold on the subject of an image to lift it from the background, send it as a message reaction, and even stash it in a special reuse bin. Google also put a new spin on the blue vs green messaging debate with custom bubbles. This new feature allows you to customise the colour of threads and chat bubbles for different group messages and contacts. This can also help manage and differentiate between work, family and friends conversations.

The latest update allows Google Messages users to react to text messages with 10 different animated emojis. These emojis comes with an animation to match. From thumbs up and thumbs down, to crying, and tears of joy or crying, these come with cool animations. There are scores of emojis but the above 10 have animations that go along with them. This new update adds a cool new dimension to Google messages; and there’s more in store.