Google starts rolling out Android Messages for the web

[midian182]

Why it matters: If you’re someone who uses their PC all day and gets tired of picking up the phone to respond to texts, here’s a welcome piece of news: Google is finally bringing Android Messages to the web. The search giant said the function, which was one of its most-requested features, will be rolling out today and over the next week.

Being able to send and receive text messages from a desktop and laptop makes the whole processes a lot quicker than having to constantly switch to a smartphone. Google says that in addition to text, web users can also send stickers, emoji, and attached images.

Once the functionality arrives on your device, simply tap the More options menu (the three vertical dots) in the app and select “Messages for web.” Then head over to messages.android.com and scan the QR code using the Android Messages app. The system is compatible with all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge at launch. It’s highly recommended that the feature is used over Wi-Fi, though it does work over cellular data, too.

Third-party solutions such as the excellent Pushbullet have allowed Android users to text—and more—from their computers for a while now, but these often suffer from glitches, can be fiddly, or charge fees once a certain number of messages have been sent within a month.

In addition to Android Messages for web, users can now hit the “+” icon to search for and send GIFs in the app. Smart replies, which tries to speed things up by predicting your responses, is also being added, and web links can be previewed before they’re opened.

Lastly, the app now lets you easily copy one-time passwords or verification codes from sites such as banks.

Enabling a desktop version of Android Messages is part of Google's push toward supporting its RCS-based messaging service, called Chat, which it hopes will replace traditional SMS. The company has been working with carriers to support RCS, which can use a phone's data plan and allows read receipts, full-resolution images and video, typing indicators, improved group chats, and more. It should allow Google to compete with the likes of iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger, though Google’s version does lack end-to-end encryption.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/75147-google-starts-rolling-out-android-messages-web.html

 

[erickmendes]

"though Google’s version does lack end-to-end encryption." ... seems like Gov's gonna love it.

 

[gcarter]

Hmmm, its not clear from the article how this will be rolled out... for example if your particular carrier is not compatible, will you get a message stating as such?

One would presume the update will be in the form of the messages app on ones phone
Tapping impatiently for it to update

 

[slamscaper]

My last update for Android Messages was 20 hours ago and sadly I still don't have the option. I like this feature. It's exactly like WhatsAPP web and works the same way. I'm eagerly awaiting it to be available for my Galaxy Note 8.

I don't think carrier support will matter over Wi-Fi, which is probably why they are recommending Wi-Fi be used.

 

[gcarter]

My app updated yesterday, and yeah you were right, its not carrier reliant... seems to work in a similar way to WhatsApp in that the page needs to be in communication with your phone... if its turned off you can't message from the website alone.

But yeah, its pretty good (Galaxy S8+)