Latest news with #GoogleMessages
Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
No cell service? Android's Wi-Fi and satellite features help you send messages when you need them most
Did you know that your Android phone can still send messages even if you're stuck somewhere with no cell signal? It might sound surprising, but with the right features set up, you don't need to rely on mobile bars to stay connected. If you find yourself at a remote campsite too often, this feature could be a lifesaver for you. If you have access to Wi-Fi but no mobile network, you can use something called RCS messaging. RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It's a modern upgrade to regular SMS and lets you send messages over Wi-Fi instead of your mobile data. This can be a lifesaver in places like airports, hotels, or even at a friend's house where the mobile network is weak but Wi-Fi is strong. To use RCS, you need to make sure Google Messages is your default messaging app. Here's how to set it up: Open Google Messages on your phone. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Go to Messages settings, then General, and tap on RCS Chats. Turn on RCS Chats. Once you've turned this on, you'll notice that when you try to send a message without a cell signal, you'll see a 'Send by WiFi' prompt instead of the usual SMS one. Just keep in mind, the person you're messaging also needs to have RCS enabled and use Google Messages. If both of you are set up, you can chat just like you would with regular texts, even if your phone can't find a network. Now, if you're in a place with no signal and no Wi-Fi, like out hiking or driving through remote areas, some new Android phones have a satellite messaging feature for emergencies. Right now, this is available on the Google Pixel 9 series and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and is dependent on your service provider. Here's how it works. If you try to call emergency services and your phone can't find a signal, you'll get the option to use Satellite SOS. Just follow the instructions on your phone's screen. Your message will be sent to emergency responders using a satellite connection. This feature is designed for emergencies only, but it's good to know it's there if you ever need it. So, even if you're off the grid or in a dead zone, your Android phone has ways to help you stay connected or reach out for help. Set up these features before you need them, and you'll be ready for anything.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Google Messages wants to help you nag contacts to try RCS
Google's been a big proponent of RCS, the standard that modernizes text messaging with features like high-quality media, typing indicators, and read receipts. Apple added support for the standard last year, effectively negating some of the benefits of its proprietary and exclusive iMessage platform, which offers similar features to RCS. Now, Google's working on a feature to increase RCS adoption on the Android side. According to an APK teardown from Android Authority, Google Messages is readying a feature that'll autofill a message to contacts who aren't currently using RCS, encouraging them to enable the feature on their device. Once activated, when Messages detects that the person you're texting is using SMS, it'll present the option to "Text an invite" that reads: Hi! I noticed you're using SMS to text. We can share high-quality media and send secure messages when we're both on RCS. Want to try? On Android, the link in the invite text currently redirects to the Play Store listing for the Google Messages app, even if Google Messages is already installed. That won't help anyone who's currently using Messages with RCS turned off, but it's possible that link behavior or even the contents of the message could change before this feature rolls out. Compared to SMS, RCS definitely allows for a superior texting experience. I'm not sure many people will be convinced to try it by an automated text message, but the feature should still raise awareness about RCS generally. This new feature was discovered in the latest beta build of the Google Messages app; it's not live just yet. Considering Messages already detects whether the person you're texting is using RCS, though, this addition seems pretty simple to implement. I'd expect to see this rolling out on the user side in the near future.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
6 Awesome New Features Coming in Android 16!
/ Jun 22, 2025, 03:42PM IST Android 16 is officially here, and it's packed with updates designed to make your phone more personal, intelligent, and secure than ever before! In this video, we dive into 6 of the most exciting new user-facing features that will be rolling out to your Android device later this year. From major upgrades in Google Messages to a completely redesigned AI-powered photo editor and smarter home controls, find out everything you need to know about what's coming.
Phone Arena
20-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Google Messages might soon give you the option to pressure those using SMS onto RCS
Google continues to double down on Rich Communication Services (RCS) support in Messages, and it's now preparing to roll out a feature that could give users some extra influence over their less tech-savvy contacts. According to findings in the latest open beta build of the Messages app ( Google is working on a new prompt that appears when someone in your chat list isn't using RCS. If the app detects that your contact still hasn't enabled RCS or is using a different messaging app entirely, it may offer you the option to send a reminder SMS encouraging them to make the switch. While the message is described as "friendly," the overall effect could easily feel like social pressure — especially if multiple contacts start sending similar reminders. The prompt will appear alongside the usual notification that messages are being sent as SMS or MMS, and from there, users will be able to send a message nudging their contact toward enabling RCS or installing Google Messages. You may soon have the option to peer pressure your friends into turning on RCS. | Images credit — Android Authority RCS adoption has grown steadily over the last few years, bringing a much-improved texting experience for Android users. It supports features like high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, emoji reactions, and end-to-end encryption — all of which standard SMS simply can't offer. But for these benefits to work, everyone in the conversation needs to have RCS enabled and be using a compatible app. This new "reminder" feature seems designed to close that loop by enlisting current RCS users to help spread adoption. And it's not the only RCS-related update we've seen recently. As reported earlier, Google is also working on new RCS tags in Google Contacts to help identify whether a person has RCS turned on. In group chats, users will soon be able to rename the group and assign custom icons — a small but useful touch for organization. While we're still waiting to see exactly when this new SMS reminder tool will be rolled out widely, the goal is clear: encourage users to move away from SMS and fully embrace RCS. Whether that approach will nudge holdouts or annoy them remains to be seen. Either way, it looks like Google is betting that a little peer pressure might just be the push needed to bring more people into the modern messaging fold. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase This offer is not available in your area.
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Business Standard
Google Phone app gets Material 3 Expressive redesign, new call gestures
Google is rolling out a Material 3 Expressive redesign to its Phone app, introducing new call gestures and UI updates, with similar design changes coming to Gmail, Photos, and Messages New Delhi Google has reportedly begun rolling out a new Material 3 Expressive design update for its Phone app on Android. According to a report by 9To5Google, the latest beta of the 'Phone by Google' app introduces a sweeping visual overhaul alongside new gesture-based call answering options, including 'Horizontal swipe' and 'Single tap.' Google introduced Material 3 Expressive last month at its inaugural 'Android Show: I/O Edition,' describing it as the next major visual leap for Android 16. Building on the foundations of Material You, the new design language focuses on dynamic colour theming, playful animations, responsive UI elements, and modernised typography to offer a more personalised, expressive user experience. Phone by Google app: What is new With the new update, the Recents tab now displays call logs in rounded rectangular cards, a container style that's now applied throughout the app — including the Favourites section and dialer screen. The number pad itself remains unchanged, but the background sheet now features rounded corners for visual consistency. Filters like All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam have also received design updates. The main Settings menu has been refreshed with the new Material 3 Expressive styling, and now includes a new 'Incoming call gesture' option, letting users choose between 'Horizontal swipe' or 'Single tap' to answer calls. The incoming call screen features a scalloped Material 3 shape that rotates until an action is taken. During an active call, the circular control buttons have been replaced by pill-shaped buttons that morph into rounded rectangles when selected. These include redesigned spacing and a more prominent, wider End Call button. Material 3 Expressive in other Google apps Google Photos: The app now features cleaner layouts with a floating toolbar in albums containing Share, Add photos, and Edit options — previously placed below the album cover. There's also a new 'Show QR Code' button when sharing an album, allowing users to generate scannable QR codes for collaborative sharing. Gmail: Some users are seeing early signs of Material 3 Expressive in Gmail, with visual changes including: Message lists now displayed on rounded-corner cards. Separately layered search bar, menu, and account switcher for improved depth. A bolder, more prominent 'Compose' floating button. Refined swipe animations for archiving emails. Google Messages: Material 3 Expressive is also reshaping Google Messages. Changes include: Conversation threads displayed in rounded cards. The Plus menu now uses pill-shaped containers for Gallery, GIFs, and Stickers. A unified toolbar in the emoji keyboard now lets users easily switch between Emoji, GIFs, Stickers, and Photomoji.
