TL;DR Google is introducing a new RCS-based method for verifying the identity of incoming callers. Unlike carrier-based authentication system, this one just requires that you and your caller are running Google Phone, Messages, and Contacts. Availability is getting started with Pixel phones, but will extend to other handsets running Android 12 and later. Compared to … Read More “Google is bringing certainty to your calls with fake call detection” »
Adamya Sharma / Android Authority TL;DR Google Messages is working on new support for custom chat wallpapers. In addition to the still wallpapers we’ve seen, it also appears this mode will support GIF animations. We’re also getting a first look at wallpapers in Messages dark mode. Last week, we brought you news of one of … Read More “Google Messages chat wallpapers have one more trick: animations” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR After laying the groundwork over the past few weeks, Google Messages looks ready to introduce custom chat themes. In addition to setting chat color palettes, you’ll also be able to select your choice of background art. Messages will provide several galleries of wallpaper options, or you can choose your … Read More “Google Messages tests chat themes with custom wallpapers” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR The Google Messages beta introduces a quicker way to access the SIM switcher. Tapping in the compose field will bring up a floating pop-up menu with the option to “Switch SIM.” This new option acts as a shortcut that takes you to the SIM picker on the profile details … Read More “Google Messages mostly walks back SIM switcher change everyone hated” »
TL;DR The RCS Universal Profile 4.0 announced support for cross-platform video calls. Google Messages currently supports video calls though ViLTE and Meet. In its latest beta, Messages adds a new string explicitly referencing RCS video calls. It’s almost hard to believe that we’re still finding new ways to improve messaging in 2026 — you’d think … Read More “Google Messages is getting ready for RCS video calls” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Messages is moving closer to completely removing the convenient QR code pairing method for its desktop web app. In the v20260511 beta version of the Android app, the built-in QR code scanner option has vanished entirely. Users will be forced to link their devices and access the web … Read More “Google Messages’ easiest pairing method is about to disappear” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Messages shows further signs of progress on letting users set custom themes for chats. More work on the back end implements support for custom background wallpapers. Messages is also tweaking how users control Smart Reply behavior. The last days of Samsung Messages are upon us, as the company … Read More “Google Messages is getting closer to offering custom backgrounds” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority Samsung Messages is shutting down in a matter of weeks. Starting in July, the app will no longer be supported, and Samsung will push users to switch to Google Messages instead. As it turns out, Samsung Messages has a lot of dedicated fans among Android Authority‘s readership, and you’ve all … Read More “5 Samsung Messages features that Google Messages is still missing” »
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google is working to incorporate Low Light Boost for the Google Messages in-app camera preview. The feature brightens the viewfinder in real time to aid framing in dimly lit scenarios. However, Low Light Boost does not affect the final photo quality, as it only affects the camera preview, not … Read More “Google Messages may soon solve your dark viewfinder struggles” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung Messages users who are migrating to Google Messages are missing some of their conversations. A Google Product Expert has confirmed that the vanishing messages bug is linked to the phasing out of Samsung Messages. The issue is being caused by a sync and re-indexing delay. If you’re unaware, … Read More “Samsung Messages users are losing chats after switching to Google Messages” »
