Google Messages is set to add a bit of excitement to your conversations.
Nadeem Sarwar
If your text conversations have felt somewhat dull since Samsung began directing users toward Google Messages, there may finally be something exciting on the horizon. Google seems to be working on a significant customization enhancement for its messaging app, something that arguably should have been implemented from the beginning.
Samsung Messages spoiled us, it seems.
For many years, users of Samsung Messages enjoyed a surprisingly comprehensive range of chat personalization options. They could choose custom wallpapers from their own gallery, adjust bubble colors, modify contrast, and even create wallpaper-based themes using the Good Lock module, making their chats feel uniquely theirs. It was not only practical but also enjoyable. However, Samsung has confirmed it is discontinuing Samsung Messages in favor of Google Messages, primarily because Samsung's app is no longer compatible with RCS. While this seems reasonable at first glance, it has left many users faced with a very plain and uninspiring chat interface, wondering what happened to the personalization.
Vikhyaat Vivek / Digital Trends
To be fair, Google Messages does offer some options. By tapping the three-dot menu in any conversation, you can find the “Change colors” feature, which allows you to adjust the background and bubble colors. While it functions as intended, it feels about as thrilling as picking between two shades of grey for your office decor. There’s no option for photo uploads, no mixing different styles, and no real way to make your chat window feel personal. For users transitioning from Samsung Messages, the diminished customization options have been genuinely frustrating.
However, something more exciting is on the way.
Google seems to be actively working on a much more comprehensive customization suite for Google Messages, and the early indications are promising. Strings found within the app suggest a new “Custom” theme section that would enable users to modify backgrounds, alter bubble colors independently, and upload their own pictures as chat wallpapers. There are also hints of Google Photos integration, making it easy to select personal images. Additionally, a “Theme Preview” feature indicates that users will be able to see how their changes look before applying them, rather than making blind adjustments. Perhaps the most appealing aspect is the ability to combine different elements. Instead of being limited to predetermined theme packs, users could potentially pair a custom photo background with a chosen bubble color. This flexibility is what Samsung Messages users have been seeking since the transition.
Nadeem Sarwar
None of these features have been officially released yet, so it’s wise to approach this news with the usual skepticism associated with early development. Features that appear during development don’t always make it into the final version, and timelines can be extended. Nonetheless, Google's evident focus on what users appreciated about Samsung Messages is encouraging. A messaging app that you truly enjoy using is important, and currently, Google Messages is missing out on a lot of this potential. Hopefully, that won’t last much longer.
Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the tech industry.
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Google Messages is set to add a bit of excitement to your conversations.
Your dull text bubbles are about to undergo a transformation.