Google is sending out a new version of Messages, the one chat app everybody expects to live at least to the end of 2019. So far, there's not a lot to see on the user-facing front after the update, but there is at least one change to message attachments. The teardown is more interesting, featuring more details on the upcoming spam protection and support for new file types in the share dialog. There are also some bits of polish coming to group messaging.
Read MoreMessages v3.9 prepares to launch spam protection, working on support for sending calendar and office documents, and more [APK Teardown]
Google updates Messages app to fix bug that broke search functionality [APK Download]
Some of you may have recently encountered an annoying bug in Google's SMS app Messages (formerly Android Messages) whereby the search function would no longer work — ironic when your company is primarily known as a search engine. Thankfully, a fix has now been released and the issue should no longer present itself.
Read MoreMessages v3.8 brings updated camera interface, new camera and gallery shortcut, and UI tweaks [APK Teardown]
An update to the Messages app (formerly Android Messages) has begun making the rounds, and unlike so many other updates lately, this one has a few standout changes after installation. There are a handful of smaller UI tweaks floating around, but a more significant change has been made to the camera interface for taking quick snapshots. There's also a new button in the messaging interface that will get you to the camera even faster.
Read MoreMessages 3.7.052 brings back Smart Reply and fixes the constant crashing on Wear OS [APK Download]
When Messages 3.7 rolled out a few days ago, something wasn't right with the app. On Android phones, Smart Reply was gone while other features were added, and on Wear OS watches, the app was crashing constantly. Thankfully, a new update to v3.7.052 on both phones and watches is rolling out, and it fixes both issues.
Read MoreAndroid Messages desktop client is now a Progressive Web App
Google has continued to improve the Android Messages desktop client, most recently with an updated Material Design look. Perhaps in an effort to make it work better with Chromebooks (as part of the 'Better Together' feature), the Messages site is now a Progressive Web App, so it can be installed as a 'native' application.
Read MoreThe latest Messages 3.7 update is crashing constantly on Wear OS watches
Messages 3.7 began rolling out a few days ago, and while the update brings some significant improvements on Android phones, notably the addition of contact sharing, it did something a lot less desirable on Wear OS. The app is now crashing constantly on smartwatches and can't even stay open for a second.
Read MoreGoogle shortens 'Android Messages' to just 'Messages' on its Play Store listing
Google really, really likes changing its SMS app's name. First called 'Messenger,' it was renamed to 'Android Messages' in early 2017, likely to avoid confusion with Facebook's extremely popular Messenger. Now the name's been shortened to just 'Messages' on the Play Store listing. What a world we live in.
Read MoreAndroid Messages 3.6 brings richer search interface, better automatic previews, and an updated icon [APK Download]
Yesterday, Google announced an update to Android Messages that would bring a new richer search interface with people and categories front and center. Today, the new version of Messages is starting to roll out with that change and a few more things in tow.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Android Messages' search feature is getting an overhaul this week
Android Messages is getting a big upgrade to its searchability. You can already search in Messages using the magnifying glass icon at the top of your conversation list, but right now, the functionality is limited to text. Soon, that icon will access a much richer search function, allowing you to easily find photos, videos, and places you've shared in text messages.
Read MoreAndroid Messages for Web gets its own Material UI overhaul too
Android Messages has been teasing us lately with a new Material UI overhaul and a dark mode: it rolled out, was removed, then rolled back again with the latest update to the app. Now the web interface is following suit by donning its own sexy look with an even sexier updated dark theme to boot.
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