In its Messages app, Google is experimenting with end-to-end encryption for group discussions. By adding this feature, group chatting will become more secure. Notably, in the upcoming weeks, the new feature will start to go out to Messages users signed up for the open beta test. At their I/O 2022 event earlier this year, Google unveiled the group chat E2EE (end-to-end encryption) functionality. All one-on-one RCS chats in the Messages by Google app already support E2EE, and all texts are secure.
In a blog post, the search engine giant stated that E2EE is now accessible for group discussions in Messages. E2EE transmissions, according to the business, are safe and secure and can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.
As of right now, Google Messages' private messages are encrypted. As of right now, some users participating in the open beta test can also use this functionality for group chats. The release of the functionality will happen over the next few weeks. According to reports, group conversations with E2EE enabled would display a banner saying "This chat is now end-to-end encrypted." Additionally, the transmit button will have a lock icon.
Users who sign up for Google's open beta programme as testers will have access to all new features before they are made available to the general public.
On its Messages app, Google is also experimenting with new emoji reactions for RCS chats and SMS texts. Only the thumbs up, heart eyes, laughing, shocked, weeping, and angry emoji are available right now. Google will be introducing additional emojis, though fewer than WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack. By just holding and pressing a text message, users will be able to respond with an emoji.
The new Google Messages emoji replies are currently only available to a small number of beta users, but they will probably soon be available to everyone. When it is fully implemented, users will see a new addition icon in the emoji options that, according to reports, shows the complete emoji picker that may be used. By tapping the emoji in the corner of the reacted message, users will also be able to see the name of the recipient who reacted with it.
