New Features and Updates in Google Messages

Google Messages, like most Google apps, often A/B tests various features before rolling them out in the stable version of the app. As of October 20th, a variety of features are currently launching or have recently launched such as RCS message editing, Group Search, and Pixel 9's full RCS Messages transfer. Additionally, there are several beta features that Google has announced but not yet fully released to all users.

Recently launched stable features include Google Account Device pairing, Magic Compose, Photomoji, a revamped Contact Details page, Reaction Effects, Profiles, Custom Bubbles and backgrounds, Selfie GIFs, a single-line text field, Voice Recorder redesign with noise cancellation plus Voice Moods, larger contact photos, expressive animation shows, a new 'Select recipients' conversation picker, RCS photo redesign with text captions, and RCS editing.

Features currently rolling out in beta include profile sharing settings for controlling who can see names and pictures in messages, an RCS status indicator tweak, dual SIM RCS support, Camera face filters, Read receipts redesign, and Photo preview screen.