Google Messages has emerged as Google’s most promising chat app, constantly evolving with security enhancements and user-friendly updates. The latest improvement in this RCS and SMS messenger is the introduction of quick reactions through a double tap feature.
Currently being rolled out in the beta version of Messages, this new functionality allows users to instantly send a thumbs-up reaction with a simple double tap.
Streamlined Reactions
Previously, users had to hold a message and manually select an emoji to react. With the new double tap feature, Messages users can quickly react with a default thumbs-up emoji by simply tapping the message twice.
If you change your mind after adding a reaction, a second double tap removes the emoji from the message. This change is currently being implemented in the beta versions of Google Messages and was first noticed by AssembleDebug on X.
As a beta tester for the messaging app, I can confirm that the double tap reactions are functional. This feature is readily available without any additional tweaks or hidden flags.
Furthermore, these reactions work seamlessly with both RCS and SMS, ensuring compatibility across different messaging platforms.
Competitive Edge
The addition of quick reactions through double taps brings Google Messages on par with its competitors. While WhatsApp lacks a similar feature, Telegram has offered this shortcut for some time.
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Google’s implementation of double tap reactions is a natural progression, as the company recently expanded its default selection of emoji reactions to include all available emojis. This enhancement has transformed reactions into a versatile communication tool.
Additionally, Google has improved SMS reactions, ensuring compatibility between Android and iOS devices. The Messages app can now correctly parse reactions sent via SMS in iMessage.
Future Developments
Google is actively working on other features to enhance the Messages app. These include editing support, further generative AI integrations, and improved image handling. With these upcoming improvements, Google Messages aims to provide users with a comprehensive and seamless messaging experience.
To access the double tap reactions feature, users can join the Google Messages beta by visiting the Play Store listing on their phones.
Once enrolled, users will be able to utilize message reactions. It is likely that Google will roll out this feature to the regular version of Messages in the near future, ensuring that all users can benefit from this convenient and expressive way of communicating.
Conclusion
Google Messages continues to evolve as a leading chat app, introducing new features to enhance the user experience. The introduction of quick reactions through a double-tap feature brings convenience and expressiveness to messaging conversations.
With ongoing improvements and upcoming features, Google Messages aims to provide a comprehensive messaging platform for users worldwide.
