Google Messages is lastly getting this Apple Messages function

In its quest to beef up the function set of its RCS-powered Messages utility for Android, Google seems to now be beta testing a brand new @mentions texting perform — at the very least for a small subset of software program beta testers. Over on the r/GoogleMessages subreddit, a consumer by the title of aniruddhdodiya has shared screenshots of the function in motion on a Pixel 10, with a small tip showing on-screen that reads “Strive @ to get their consideration,” adopted by “They’re going to see @mentions even when their notifications are muted.”

In its present state in model 20251103_00_RC00 beta of Google Messages, the group chat utility seems to work simply because it does on different mainstream messaging platforms: typing an @ image adopted by a contact’s title or telephone quantity will ping the individual in query when despatched, drawing consideration to your message even inside a crowded group chat setting. It additionally appears like @point out names may be edited previous to being despatched off. It is price noting that the function is linked to RCS group textual content messages — it is not accessible (and certain by no means will probably be) for SMS/MMS message chains.

We’ve known for some time now that Google has been working to introduce @mentions to its first-party Messages expertise, with references to the function surfacing by way of APK app file teardowns again in Might of this yr (via Android Authority). It is unclear whether or not a server-side replace is chargeable for this new rollout, or whether or not it is fully tied to the actual beta app model in query. The rollout itself seems to be sluggish and never broadly accessible throughout the broader beta testing group (as per 9to5Google).

Google, for its half, hasn’t commented on if and when @mentions are formally coming to the Messages app for Android, and so there’s at present no launch timeline to go off of. Whereas the function may technically be canned at any second, it is look inside a beta model of Messages is an efficient indication that it will make its method to extra end-users someday within the foreseeable future.

@mentions are one among my favourite group chat options

A fast-and-easy method to get a gaggle member’s consideration

Inside multi-person group chats, @mentions are an extremely great tool to have on the helm. Anybody who has been in an active group thread is aware of how chaotic issues can generally change into, and having a straightforward method to goal a message at a selected group member could make digital communication simpler on the entire.

Admittedly, it is taken Google a very long time to deliver @mentions to its first-party Messages app. Most different prompt messaging providers have supported the function for fairly a while, and I’ve grown accustomed to utilizing it throughout Apple iMessage, Slack, Microsoft Groups, WhatApp, Fb Messenger, Discord, Telegram, Sign, and even Snapchat.

Personally, I hope the function ships in secure type sooner reasonably than later, versus remaining in beta limbo for a number of months as can generally be the case with up-and-coming software program additions. I am a giant fan of RCS texting, and I really like that Android customers can now textual content in group chats with full end-to-end encryption (E2EE), and @mentions will simply sweeten the expertise that little bit extra for me when it does formally launch.