Messenger from Google hits the Play Store

Google’s own SMS and MMS messaging app named Messenger, not to be confused in Facebook’s Messenger, is now in Play Store for download. It wishes to replace Hangouts’ SMS integration.

Messenger initially shipped with devices sporting Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box like the Nexus 6. It is a standalone app for SMS and MMS, no more faulty Hangouts integration. Although the SMS feature from Hangouts is still onboard.

Features include as stated in its Play Store page:

• Faster sharing: Select or take pictures and videos directly from the app and share easily. You can even send audio messages to your contacts.
• Easy search: Search through contacts and conversation threads to find exactly what you are looking for.
• Purposeful design: New, fluid, material design that is intuitive and delightful.
• More control: Ability to block SMS senders. No interruptions when you don’t want them!
• More features: audio messages, emoji support , colored text threads, message archiving and more.

Head on to the Play Store and download the app for Android running Jelly Bean 4.1, and above. Download is only for devices with cellular networks, WiFi only devices (like my Nexus 7 2013 WiFi only) are not supported.

Source: Play Store