Google Messages surpasses 1 billion RCS users

Google Messages has passed 1 billion monthly active RCS users, the company announced. To celebrate the new milestone, Google revealed seven new features coming to its Messages app.

1. Photomoji

As the name implies, it lets users transform photos into reactions through on-device Google AI processing. These reactions are then saved into a dedicated tab in case reusing them again is convenient.

2. Voice Moods

This feature adds animated emojis to voice messages. Google also says they have improved the audio quality by increasing voice messages’ bitrate and sampling rate.

3. Screen Effects

When certain prompt words are recognized such as “it’s snowing” or “I love you”, vibrant animations will play throughout the screen. There are more than 15 prompt words, but Google hid them for users to discover.

4. Custom Bubbles

The app isn’t just limited to green or pale blue bubbles now as this new feature allows customization of bubble color and backgrounds.

5. Reaction Effects

Yep, just like Facebook’s reactions, but an added animation will play over the message the user reacts to.

6. Animated Emoji

Certain emojis will now play subtle animations. This resembles the animated emojis on Telegram or WhatsApp.

7. Profiles

Lastly, Profiles which lets users personalize their profile name and display photo that accompanies their mobile number.

“This addresses the problem of receiving messages from phone numbers not saved in your contacts, which can be particularly useful in group chats so that you know who all the other participants in the group are,” Google explained.

Alongside the announcement, Google also mentioned and commended Apple as it took the first step on finally embracing RCS 21—short for Rich Communication Services.

“By replacing the outdated SMS and MMS protocols, users benefit from a more modern and secure messaging experience,” explained Sanaz Ahari, VP and GM of Android and Business Communications.

RCS brings typing indicators, read receipts, threaded replies, high-quality media sharing, improved group chats, better privacy with end-to-end encryption and more.