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Google Messages Web App Introduces Direct Reply Feature, Enhancing Desktop Messaging Experience
Google Messages for the Web has unveiled an exciting new feature that enables users to directly reply to Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats, bringing it in line with its Android counterpart. The recent update to the Messages web app primarily focuses on enhancing support for updated RCS read receipts and send status, offering a more robust messaging experience.
Previously, users were limited to actions such as copying text, deleting messages, and using a limited range of emojis when interacting with an RCS chat on messages.google.com/web. Responding directly to RCS messages through the desktop web client (PWA) has been a long-standing demand from users, and Google has now fulfilled this request. The latest update positions the chat above the text field, accompanied by a “Reply to message” prompt, delivering a user experience similar to the functionality found in the Android app, which was introduced back in October 2022.
The addition of direct replies is a significant enhancement as the Messages web app has long supported the display of quote replies made on or from mobile devices. This improvement further bridges the gap between mobile and desktop experiences, providing users with a seamless messaging experience across platforms.
However, it is worth noting that the direct reply feature is currently unavailable for Android tablets. In a curious move, the rectangular “Start chat” floating action button (FAB) has been relocated from the top of the conversation list to the bottom-right corner of the column. While the Messages web app generally maintains a high level of feature parity with messages.google.com, the absence of direct replies on tablets raises questions among users.
In a related development, a recent update to Messages for Wear OS showcases a redesigned layout for suggested replies. The new design features thin outlines for the pill-shaped container instead of filled buttons. These changes may hint at forthcoming design language adjustments that could align with the release of Wear OS 4, signaling Google’s commitment to refining the user experience across its ecosystem.
As Google continues to refine its messaging platform, these updates underscore the company’s dedication to providing users with enhanced features and a consistent messaging experience across devices. With the introduction of direct replies on the web and potential upcoming changes in Wear OS, Google Messages continues to evolve as a versatile and user-friendly communication tool.
OnePlus is getting ready to launch a new version of its smartwatch. After releasing the OnePlus Watch 3 in a 46mm size back in February, the company is now introducing a smaller 43mm model. The new watch will officially launch on July 8, but some important details have already been revealed.
The 43mm OnePlus Watch 3 will have a 1.32-inch display, which is smaller than the 1.5-inch screen on the 46mm version. It will also be lighter, weighing just 36.8 grams compared to 49.7 grams for the larger model.
The watch will have a stainless-steel body and will come in two color options: Black Steel and Silver Steel. OnePlus also confirmed that it will include an improved “Mind & Body Evaluation” feature to help users monitor their health more closely.
Another new addition is a real-time barometer. According to OnePlus, this tool can check your body’s fatigue level every 30 minutes, making it useful for health tracking and fitness routines.
More information, including the price and availability of the OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm), will be announced at the official launch event on July 8.
Nothing is all set to launch its new smartphone, the Nothing Phone (3) on July 1. While some details have already been revealed by the company, new leaked renders give us the clearest look at the device yet.
The images, shared by Android Headlines, show the Phone (3) in two color options – black and white (possibly called gray).
On the front, the phone features a punch-hole display. But the back design is what’s catching everyone’s attention. The phone has a triple rear camera setup, but the alignment is unusual. The top camera is placed closer to the edge of the phone than the one below it, making the design look a bit odd or even controversial.
Although Nothing hasn’t fully revealed the camera specs, it has confirmed that the top camera is a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. Rumors suggest that the other two cameras — likely the primary and ultra-wide — could also have 50MP sensors. The black circle on the right side of the rear panel is part of the brand’s unique Glyph Matrix lighting system.
The renders also show that the Nothing Phone (3) has a metal body. The volume buttons are placed on the left side, and the power button is on the right, along with an extra button, which might be the new Essential Key, first seen on the Nothing Phone (3a) series.
Nothing has also confirmed that the Phone (3) will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. The company promises five years of OS updates and seven years of security updates, making it a long-lasting smartphone choice for users.
We’ll know everything for sure on July 1 when the phone officially launches. Let us know what you think about the new design in the comments!
Nothing has released a major update to its photo app, called Nothing Gallery 2.0. The update brings many new features and improvements, especially for editing photos and videos. This is a big upgrade from the previous version, which had only basic functions and required users to use Google Photos for editing.
With the new update, users can now edit photos directly within the app. The editing tools include options to crop, rotate, flip, and stretch images. There are also 12 color adjustment tools such as exposure, contrast, saturation, warmth, tint, sharpness, white point, black point, and grain. These tools help users make their pictures look better and more professional.
In addition to photo editing, the app also supports video editing. Users can now crop their videos and adjust the audio volume, all within the Nothing Gallery app. This means users no longer need to use third-party apps for basic video edits.
The update also brings small design changes to the app. For example, text in the app is now written in proper format instead of all capital letters. The date font is now bolder, making it easier to read. Album previews have been changed to look cleaner and more organized. The layout is simpler, and the photo/video count is shown more clearly.
Another nice improvement is the addition of haptic feedback. When you slide through filters or options, the phone gives a small vibration, making the editing experience feel smoother and more responsive.
Overall, the Nothing Gallery 2.0 update is a big step forward. It gives users more control and more tools without needing to rely on Google Photos. Anyone with a Nothing Phone can enjoy these new features by updating the app from the Play Store.
Let us know what you think about the update. Did you like the new editing tools and changes in design?