Google Messages is working on a new feature to make media forwarding easier. The feature will make Google Messages more convenient to use by replicating a feature in WhatsApp that has a shortcut for media forwarding. Media forwarding in Google Messages is currently a multi-step procedure: users have to long-press on the media, touch the three-dot menu at the top right, and then select the forward option. It becomes tiresome and frustrating.
The new shortcut will display a double-arrow button next to shared media, where users will be able to forward it in a single tap. On a single tap on the button, contacts list will be opened up with the last talked contacts placed on top for quick access. The process in its new format eliminates extra steps otherwise performed and thus forwards faster and easier.
Google has been steadily improving Google Messages to compete with more popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram. Such messaging apps offer features such as effortless sharing of media across conversations and ephemeral updates through Stories. By introducing this WhatsApp-like shortcut, Google is looking to enhance user experience and make Google Messages feel more modern.
The feature is already being released in the beta version of Google Messages and will be available to everyone soon. The feature will benefit users on all Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy devices. The goal is to make Google Messages more appealing by offering seamless media sharing capabilities.
Apart from this media forwarding shortcut, Google also experiments with other enhancements borrowed from WhatsApp. These enhancements are implemented as part of a broader shift to improve the overall messaging experience in Google Messages. The app has seen many updates until now, such as the redesigned text field with shortcuts bar and improved camera integration.
Google Messages has also incorporated features like the ability to send messages to groups of recipients, making it more convenient to forward content to more than one recipient. This feature allows users to select more than one contact from a list and send the same message to them all at a time, rather than having to do it multiple times for individual recipients.
Generally, these updates are a testament to Google’s determination to make Google Messages a better and more accessible messaging app. By implementing features from top-rated apps and making existing processes simpler, Google seeks to make the app more popular and functional among users globally.
