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 — not less than 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 “Attempt @ to get their consideration,” adopted by “They will 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 cellphone quantity will ping the individual in query when despatched, drawing consideration to your message even inside a crowded group chat setting. It additionally appears to be like like @point out names will be edited previous to being despatched off. It is value noting that the function is linked to RCS group textual content messages — it is not accessible (and sure by no means can 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 Could of this yr (via Android Authority). It is unclear whether or not a server-side replace is liable for this new rollout, or whether or not it is completely tied to the actual beta app model in query. The rollout itself seems to be gradual and never extensively accessible throughout the broader beta testing neighborhood (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 effective indication that it will make its method to extra end-users someday within the foreseeable future.

@mentions are certainly one of my favourite group chat options

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

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

Admittedly, it is taken Google a very long time to convey @mentions to its first-party Messages app. Most different instantaneous messaging companies 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 kind sooner quite 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 an enormous fan of RCS texting, and I 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.