Google Messages is the default messaging app on many Android phones, and it's about to get even better. Google announced a series of improvements to Google Messages that will change the way you text friends and family over RCS or SMS.

Google Messages is adding a bunch of new features, as well as a new logo, as Google is keeping its #GetTheMessage campaign going --- even if it doesn't look like it's doing anything to actually pressure Apple into adding RCS support to the iPhone. Among these features, we now have direct replies to messages (letting you quote a message in a group to reply to it), and emoji reactions to SMS messages on iPhones.

But that's not all. The app is also getting automatic transcripts for voice messages as well as reminders directly on the app. It will also let you watch YouTube videos within the app and intelligently suggest options depending on the content of a message. Other changes include an option to create a Meet call if someone suggests a call, adding a Calendar item if you're mentioning a future event, or suggesting you to star a message if it looks like it contains important information.

The new features should arrive for you within the next few weeks, and they should improve your experience texting --- whether you're talking with iPhone owners or chatting on RCS with other Android folks.

Source: Google