For those who still use SMS, the default Android messages app is getting a couple of new features. If you work on a desktop or laptop computer a lot, you can soon send and receive messages without looking at your phone. If you’re familiar with WhatsApp Web, this is essentially the equivalent version for SMS.
Google will be introducing Messages for web and this is one of the most wanted features. In a way, it’s a step closer to Apple’s iMessage. Messages for Web works when your smartphone is connected either via mobile data or WiFi. Apart from normal text, you can also send stickers, emoji and attachments.
On top of that, Google also allows you to express yourself with animated GIFs. Just tap on the + button in the Messages app and search for the GIF you want.
At times when you can’t type in full, the Messages app also gets Smart Reply feature. This will show reply suggestions based on the context of your conversation. It’s available only in English and Google will introduce more language options over time.
Similar to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, you will be able to get a preview if you receive a link from your contacts. This also works for YouTube links where it will show a thumbnail of the video. Another neat feature is the copy function for SMS verification codes. The next time you receive a TAC number, you can tap on copy and then paste the 6-digit pin for online transactions.
At the time of writing, the Messages for Web is now live but we still don’t get the web option on the Messages app on our Android devices. According to Google, the new features will be rolled out starting today and over the next week, so do check for software updates in the next couple of days.
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