Link previews to @mentions: Google Messages working on these features
What's the story
Google has been busy enhancing its messaging app, Google Messages. The company is currently testing a bunch of new features for the platform, which are in the beta phase. These include a redesign of link previews, support for @mentions in group chats, and the introduction of Messaging Layer Security (MLS) encryption. The changes were first spotted by beta users and are still rolling out in beta.
Feature details
Link previews and group chat mentions
The link preview redesign gives a taller cover image, larger page title, domain with favicon, and a more prominent background. However, Google has removed the article snippet to reduce information density. The YouTube Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is back but without an option to open the full app. The @mentions feature lets users grab someone's attention in group conversations even if their notifications are muted.
Enhanced security
MLS encryption and image viewer redesign
The Universal Profile 3.0 now supports the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, enabling cross-platform (Android-iOS) RCS that is end-to-end encrypted. To check if this feature is live for a conversation, long-press on a message and open the redesigned Details page. Google is also testing an image viewer redesign where photos sent at the same time are grouped together for easier viewing.
User experience
Read receipts and spam link detection
The read receipts feature has been redesigned to show in a circular format at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles, while the timestamps and end-to-end encryption status are accessed by swiping left. This change started rolling out in August 2024, with wider availability by November. Google Messages now warns users when they click on links in suspected spam messages, preventing them from visiting potentially harmful websites.
Security tools
Key Verifier and other recent launches
The Key Verifier tool helps users verify the identity of the other party through public encryption keys. These contact keys are displayed as a QR code, which can also be scanned via the Google Contacts app. Other recent launches include a fullscreen account menu for easier access to settings and features like Spam & blocked, Mark all as read, and Device pairing.