Google Messages, the tech giant’s popular messaging app, reached a monumental milestone last year by surpassing one billion active RCS (Rich Communication Services) users worldwide. In celebration of this achievement, the Messages team unveiled a glimpse of forthcoming features, aiming to enhance user experience. While several features such as voice moods, AI-powered Photomoji, reaction effects, and animated emoji have already been integrated into Messages in various regions, one eagerly anticipated feature has been conspicuously absent – Screen Effects. However, it appears that Google is now slowly introducing this feature to Messages users.
Screen Effects offer an interactive element to messaging by triggering visual effects based on specific keywords within messages. Examples of such keywords include “It’s snowing” and “I love you.” During the initial announcement, Google disclosed that there were over 15 such effects available, encouraging users to discover them organically during their conversations.
Recent findings by 9to5Google have unveiled additional trigger phrases for Screen Effects. For instance, the phrases “sounds good” and “Happy Valentine’s Day” elicit on-screen animations. The former prompts a cascade of thumbs-up icons from either side of the screen, while the latter reveals a charming display of hearts and a dove, reminiscent of the sentiment expressed in the message. However, it’s worth noting that not all trigger phrases have corresponding effects yet; for example, “It’s snowing” does not currently activate a screen effect.
Despite the excitement surrounding the introduction of Screen Effects, the rollout appears to be limited at present. Many users, including those in the US, have reported difficulty accessing the feature, suggesting that it may be subject to geographic restrictions. Nonetheless, the gradual introduction of Screen Effects to some devices signifies a step forward, with a wider rollout expected soon.
Google has a history of incorporating playful on-screen effects into its messaging platforms. In the past, when Google Hangouts was still active, the company introduced animated emoji Easter eggs triggered by phrases like “happy birthday,” “lmao,” and “rofl,” among others.
In addition to Screen Effects, several other features previewed alongside it in November have yet to see widespread availability. For example, Profiles, aimed at facilitating easier identification of participants in group chats, remain inactive. Similarly, custom bubbles, which allow users to personalize the background color of each conversation, have yet to be implemented.
As Google continues to refine and expand the feature set of Messages, users can anticipate a more engaging and dynamic messaging experience in the days and weeks ahead. The gradual rollout of Screen Effects underscores Google’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction within its messaging ecosystem, promising exciting developments on the horizon.