Google is adding a number of new features to its Messaging app for Android, including the ability to reply to messages with emoji reactions, something that has long been available in other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and iOS’s built-in Messaging app. . The feature was first spotted in tests in May, but Google has now officially released it as part of the latest version of its Messages app.
To use an emoji reaction, simply touch and hold the message you want to react to, and a short list of cute animated emojis will appear for you to choose from. However, you can only use emoji reactions if you have RCS chat enabled.
Here’s a Google GIF showing how to use emoji reactions and what the emoji will look like:
Google is also adding a new feature to Smart Reply, which already automatically suggests possible answers for you: You can now suggest emoji stickers in addition to just text. However, at this time, the feature is only available in English, according to Google.
Take a look at how the function works in this Google GIF:
If text, an emoji, or a sticker just doesn’t cut it, Google is adding some other useful tools to help you communicate in Messages, including a new video call button that you can touch to jump directly from a text conversation to a Google Duo video call. and a media editor that you can use to bookmark photos and share them directly in a conversation.
