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.
Read MoreNew Material UI and dark mode are back in latest Android Messages [APK Download]
If there's one thing we love when it comes to the subject of Android here, it's a good tease. Over the last couple of weeks, Google surreptitiously added and subsequently disabled an updated Material Design interface for Android Messages. In addition to the app's blinding new all-white aesthetic, it also included a new dark mode that should be a bit easier on the eyes at night. Though the updated design was seemingly disabled, it's now back in the latest version — and you can download it now.
Read MoreAndroid Messages will probably get Allo's Google Assistant integration
This spring, Google announced "pausing" development on Allo as it repurposed development resources for RCS/Chat and Android Messages. At least one feature from Allo seems to be making its way over to Android Messages as a result of the change, though. The folks at XDA have just discovered hidden Assistant integration in Android Messages — though it's a bit incomplete at the moment.
Read More[Update: Back in v3.5.052] Android Messages v3.5 adds new Material UI with dark mode [APK Download]
Both Google Phone and Google Contacts had Material redesigns earlier this month. As such, people began speculating that Android Messages would also soon be revamped, and now it's happened. On top of the redesign, version 3.5 of Android Messages also brings a long-awaited dark mode.
Read More[Pssst, Gmail, You Listening?] Telegram 4.9 added a 'Mark as read' button in notifications
When you get bombarded by notifications throughout the day, the most useful tool at your disposal is a "Mark as read" button. Because most notifications these days can be expanded, it's easy to read the entire content of a message sent through SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Gmail. But dismissing the notification doesn't mark the message as read: it will show as unread if you open the app or, worse yet, will resurface if you get other notifications from the same app. That's why a quick way to mark messages as read is not just welcome, but also crucial. And Telegram has finally seen the light.
Read MoreAndroid Messages v3.4 continues work on pairing with Chromebooks, dark mode, and automatic spam detection [APK Teardown]
A new version of Android Messages began rolling out late last night. Beyond a few small cosmetic tweaks, this update appears to be almost entirely focused on preparing upcoming features. There's activity related to pairing with Chromebooks, further developments in dark mode, and forward progress on fighting spam.
Read MoreGboard Smart Replies being tested for other apps including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Android Messages
Google's been throwing its Smart Replies at pretty much every app or venue capable of accepting them, from Android Messages to Gmail. It even has a standalone app that introduces the shortcuts—and their occasionally borderline-offensive responses—to third-party app notifications. Now Gboard is testing out adding the same feature to other applications like Facebook and WhatsApp.
Read MoreAndroid Messages for web borrows a fun Hangouts feature (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞
As of this week, after a long rollout, Android Messages' new web interface is finally available to everybody. Even better, it includes an Easter egg from Hangouts: emoticon shortcuts. You can send your friends shruggies, table flips, and even Finn and Jake from "Adventure Time," all with simple text commands. Algebraic!
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
[Update: Available to all] Android Messages web interface is starting to roll out, but the app needs an update
Android Messages v3.3 prepares GIF search and favorited stickers, search filters for attachments, and possibly gearing up to fight text spammers [APK Teardown]
A new version of the Android Messages app slowly began to circulate over the weekend. As usual, there doesn't seem to be anything visibly different in this update, but it does contain bits and pieces suggesting there's plenty of work going on in preparation for new features. Some of the Sticker and GIF-related enhancements from Allo appear to be making the transition to Messages, and we may also be getting some helpful search filters that bring attachments into view. There's also some new text that suggests Google is looking to take a more active role in combatting text spammers.
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