Subj : Google Messages is testing some useful upgrades here are 5 featu To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Mon Apr 14 2025 18:15:08 Google Messages is testing some useful upgrades here are 5 features that could be coming Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000 Description: Google is really giving its Messages service a lot of attention, and is testing even more new features - here are 5 that could arrive soon. FULL STORY ======================================================================Google is testing even more new features in its Messages beta app These include an expanded 14-line message view and new RCS message labels While these are still in beta testing, they could start rolling out to users this month Over the past couple of months, Google has been doubling down on eradicating all traces of Google Assistant to make Gemini its flagship voice assistant, but amidst the organized Gemini chaos, Google has been paying a lot of attention to improving its Messages app, giving it some much-needed TLC. Its safe to say that the new revisions to the Google Messages app have significantly improved its UI. Its new snooze function for group chats also comes to mind, but Google is still in its beta testing era. For a while, Google was experimenting with an easier way to join group chats, following WhatsApps footsteps. Now, its testing five more features that could make up the next wave of Google Messages upgrades this month. Although these features are in beta, theres been no comment on whether theyll be officially rolling out to users. With that said, well be keeping an eye out for any further updates. Google expands its 4-line text field limit (Image credit: 9to5Google) Just a few weeks ago, we reported on a new upgrade found in Google Messages beta indicating that Google would get better at handling lengthy text messages . For a while, Google Messages users have been restricted to a four-line view limit when sending texts, meaning that you would need to scroll to review your entire message before sending. This is particularly frustrating when sending long URL links. But that could soon be a thing of the past, as 9to5Google has picked up a new beta code that reveals an expanded message composition field on the Pixel 9a that now reaches up to 14 lines. New RCS labels Recently, Google has been testing new in-app labels that could distinguish whether youre sending an SMS or RCS message. Thanks to an APK teardown from Android Authority , the labels found in beta suggest that soon youll be able to see which of your contacts are using RCS in Messages, adding a new RCS label to the right side of a contacts name or number. Unsubscribe from automated texts This is a feature were quite excited to see, and were hoping for a wider rollout this month. A few weeks ago, an unsubscribe button was spotted at the bottom of some messages, which could give users an easier way of unsubscribing to automated texts and even the option to report spam. When you tap this, a list of options will appear asking you for your reasons for unsubscribing, which include not signed up, too many messages, and no longer interested as well as an option for spam. If you select one of the first three, a message reading STOP will be sent automatically, and youll be successfully unsubscribed. Read receipts gets a new look (Image credit: 9to5Google) Google could introduce another revamp of how you can view read receipts in the Messages app. In November 2024, Google tested a redesign of its read receipts that placed the checkmark symbols inside the message bubbles, which used to appear underneath sent messages. In January, Google tested another small redesign introducing a new white background, which could roll out soon, and while this isnt a major redesign, its effective enough to make read receipts stand out more. Camera and gallery redesign, and sending original quality media We first noticed that Google Messages was prepping a new photo and video quality upgrade . In March, more users started to notice a wider availability, but its still not yet fully rolled out, meaning it could be one of the next new updates in the coming weeks. Essentially, Google could be rolling out a new option that allows you to send media, such as photos and videos, in their original quality. This will give you the choice of the following two options: Optimize for chat - sends photos and videos at a faster speed, compromising quality. Original quality - sends photos and videos as they appear in your phones built-in storage. You might also like Google Messages emoji reaction 'bug' is actually just a test for beta users, Google confirms Google Messages finally reverses an annoying change, making it easier to organize your contacts Google Messages could soon tell you which group chat members have read your messages - and I'm ready to snoop like never before ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-messages-is-testing-some-u seful-upgrades-here-are-5-features-that-could-be-coming --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .