Introduction to the New Feature
Google is enhancing its messaging app, Google Messages, by introducing a much-anticipated 'Delete for Everyone' feature. Currently available in beta testing, this functionality allows users to unsend messages within a designated time frame, primarily focusing on large group chats.
User Experience Insights
The feature garnered attention when a Reddit user, known as u/seeareeff, reported discovering it in a group conversation involving 12 participants. Notably, the option to delete a message for everyone does not appear in smaller group chats or individual conversations. This selective rollout indicates that Google is gradually expanding access to this feature among beta users.
Functionality Details
According to various reports, the 'Delete for Everyone' feature enables users to remove messages within a 15-minute window after they have been sent. This capability aligns with the RCS (Rich Communication Services) Universal Profile 2.7, which facilitates enhanced messaging functions. When a user opts to delete a message, Google Messages will display a 'Message deleted' placeholder—a design choice similar to WhatsApp, contrasting with Telegram's approach where deleted messages vanish without notification.
Future Developments
Google has also prioritized improving the message editing functionality, initially enabling edits within this same 15-minute timeframe in May 2024, with broader availability following later that year. Given the pattern of feature rollouts, the text deletion option can be expected to reach the stable channel over a few weeks, following its current beta testing phase.
Additional Features and Improvements
Aside from the delete option, recent updates to Google Messages have included tools to manage RCS spam effectively and the aesthetic enhancement of full-screen emoji effects. Furthermore, the introduction of group chat features such as invite links, QR codes, and @-mentions is indicative of Google's commitment to improving user interactions within the app.
Conclusion
The 'Delete for Everyone' feature marks a significant step forward for Google Messages. As with other messaging platforms like WhatsApp and iMessage, this enhancement seeks to allow users greater control over their conversations. Users can expect more updates as Google continues to refine the app's capabilities and expand this feature's availability to a wider audience.
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