Google Messages v4.3 prepares auto-reply for spam and RCS settings, continues Verified SMS and Assistant integration [APK Teardown]
The latest update to Google Messages is out and sporting much the same look as always. The major notes to be seen are in the teardown, which brings a few smaller details related to RCS settings and Verified SMS, hints at an auto-reply feature for spam messages, a change to the audio clip recorder, and a little refocusing on the upcoming Google Assistant integration.
Teardown
General RCS settings
While it may not be obvious to most users, the current RCS settings are actually shown per-line, meaning that phones with more than one SIM may have completely different settings. Google Messages is in the process of adding a new screen to contain global options.
At the moment, there aren't actually any settings listed, but a placeholder has been added where these settings will exist. Unfortunately, that means there's not much more to say...
RCS status messages
RCS availability is still pretty limited and some implementations may be a bit fragile. To make it easier for users to get a grasp on what's going on and to diagnose problems when they occur, Google Messages will begin offering a simple status readout in the settings screen.
Status messages are generally pretty simple, letting users know that their phone is connecting to a remote server, setting up chat features, or if everything is ready to go. Alternatively, if there's something wrong, the status message will let you know if the carrier doesn't have support, if there's something wrong with your device, or perhaps your SIM card isn't detected. Many of the messages also include a placeholder for additional details if they are provided by the carrier.
All told, it's just a pretty standard status readout, but with some of the confusion and complaints that have popped up with the slow and inconsistent rollout of RCS, something to provide a little feedback is probably what most people need.
Follow-up: Verified SMS
The last couple of Messages updates contained clues about a Verified SMS feature, which may only verify businesses rather than all callers. The small addition in this update is a bundle of responses that inform users either that verification is in progress, couldn't be completed, or that a caller is actually a spammer
When the verification is still in progress or couldn't be completed, the messages include reminders to be careful with following links or sending replies. However, confirmed spammers can be reported directly to Google, and potentially your carrier, where they can take harsh action to prevent spammers from continuing their dishonest ways. (Did that sound sarcastic enough? No? I'll try harder next time.)
?Spam auto-reply
I'm not quite sure what to make of this, but a couple new lines popped up that refer to an auto-reply feature to spam. It's not really clear if these are the names of spam identification methods, a type of reply that would be sent, or maybe a method of dealing with spam — for example, replying to the spammer directly or forwarding the spam as a report to a carrier.
Regardless of the meaning, the thing I like seeing most is actual automated behaviors to deal with spam, even if it's just a matter of taking a few taps out of the equation.
Change to audio clip recording
Several months ago, Google Messages had a really obnoxious flaw in the attachments view. As you scrolled down, it was possible to set your finger on the audio clip recording button as part of a scroll, and that would immediately begin recording. It was eventually changed to require a short delay, so now you simply hear a beep on first contact, then recording begins about 2-3 seconds later.
The latest update appears to be preparing another change to that behavior. The instructional text for that button has been reworded to instruct users to double-tap and continue holding to record an audio message.
I assume this change might be made to give allowances to people that scroll slowly, especially those that might require screen readers or have any disability that gets in the way of fast scrolling. There's no denying a double-tap and hold gesture would be unlikely to happen by accident.
Strangely, the button behavior remains the same for me after updating, which has me wondering if there's perhaps a plan to test the new gesture with a limited audience before rolling it out to everybody, or maybe this will only happen for people based on behavior. For example, it might change if you repeatedly hit the audio recorder and immediately delete the clip. I can see why the developers might not want to fully require this gestures, as it may also prove to be too challenging for uncoordinated hands.
Follow-up: Google Assistant integration
In the smallest of small updates, there's a rephrasing for the upcoming Assistant integration. The setting that enables Assistant will now be called "Assistant suggestions" instead of "Google Assistant in Messages." There's also a change to the summary that makes it a bit wordier and a little more open-ended with the features Assistant will offer.
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