Google Updates Android Messages to Support Text Messaging via Computers

Android smartphone users can now send and receive text messages through their computers, thanks to Google’s latest update for the Android Messages app.

According to reports, Google started rolling out the said update on Monday.

The update will add a “Messages for web” section in the Android Messages settings. Upon opening this menu option, a QR code reader will appear to scan the code on the Messages for web page. This will sync the messaging services of the smartphone with the desktop computer.

The Messages for web page is now active but its in-app menu option is yet to go live. Unfortunately, there is no specific release date for the feature and Google can only promise to roll out the update “over the next week.” So, it is best for Android Messages users to always check if the latest update for the app is available on their devices.

Meanwhile, users will also be delighted to know that Messages for web will support sending of stickers, emoji, and image attachments like funny GIF memes.

Google also stated that the patch was made possible through its partnership with network carriers in updating their messaging protocol to Rich Communication Services (RCS).

“With Android Messages, we're creating a messaging experience that's available on multiple devices, lets you share whatever you want to share, and makes it easy to take action on your messages with Google AI,” Google said in a blog post.

The update also brings in several new features on the Android Messages app such as the use of Smart Reply. These are much like reply templates that users can tap and send to their contacts. This feature will be available initially in English but Google promised that it will be adding “more languages over time.”

Google is also adding an inline preview of website links so users will have an idea about web pages before clicking on them. Android Messages will also receive an update specifically for texts that contain one-time passwords by automatically adding a “copy” button to the incoming message preview.