Google Messages has recently introduced updates to its service, catering specifically to web and tablet users. These enhancements include a fresh logo and animated emojis, aiming to elevate the overall user experience.
This update reflects Google’s dedication to refining its consumer messaging strategy while establishing stronger connections with SMS and RCS users—a pivotal step in their ongoing efforts.
New Logo and Branding
The new logo showcases a vibrant four-color “G” positioned at the top-left corner of the web and tablet versions of the service, accompanied by the word “Messages.” This design bears resemblance to logos used in popular Google products like Gmail, Google Photos, and Google Drive. The intention behind this fresh branding approach is to establish a more direct association between Google and SMS and RCS – the prevalent messaging protocols for mobile devices.
SMS and RCS provide users with the capability to send text messages and share images, videos, stickers, and other media through cellular or Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, RCS offers advanced functionalities like read receipts, typing indicators, group chats, and end-to-end encryption. Google has actively advocated for RCS as a universal messaging standard and collaborated with numerous carriers and device manufacturers to ensure its widespread support.
Animated Emoji for More Fun and Expression
The update also enables Messages for web and tablet users to enjoy animated emojis. This exciting feature was initially introduced on Android devices in June and has now been widely implemented across various platforms. Animated emoji brings a playful and expressive element to SMS and RCS conversations, as certain popular emojis display different animations based on the context.
For instance, the ‘grimacing face’ emoji now features a shifty-eyed animation, while the ‘loudly crying’ emoji vividly expresses tears flowing. These animations loop briefly before coming to a halt. As part of this update, emojis are no longer confined within message bubbles and instead appear directly in the background.
Google Messages ranks among the most widely-used messaging apps worldwide, boasting over one billion downloads on the Google Play Store. The application seamlessly functions across numerous Android devices, web browsers, and tablets. Users can conveniently access Messages for the web by navigating to messages.google.com/web or by installing the tablet PWA (Progressive Web App) via the Google Play Store.
The update is anticipated to enhance the user experience and engagement of Messages users. It also exemplifies Google’s dedication to enhancing its messaging services. Through continuous innovation and improvement, Google aims to offer users a seamless and enjoyable communication experience across various devices.
