Google Messages for web has undergone a branding update, featuring the addition of a four-color ‘G’ in front of the word “Messages” in the top left corner of the web and tablet experiences. This change aims to further associate Google with RCS (Rich Communication Services) and SMS messaging, as the company continues to solidify its messaging strategy. The animated emoji feature, previously introduced on Android in June, has now been rolled out to messages.google.com/web and the tablet PWA. These animated emojis appear directly in the background, outside of the message bubble.
With this update, Google is emphasizing its presence in the messaging space and seeking to establish its messaging platforms as more user-friendly and visually appealing. By prominently displaying the Google branding, the company aims to strengthen its association with messaging services, bolstering its position in the competitive messaging app market. Additionally, the introduction of animated emojis adds a fun and dynamic element to conversations, enhancing the overall user experience.
While the branding update is now available on Google Messages for web, it is worth noting that the animated emoji feature has been rolled out on various platforms, except for phones, where availability has been gradually expanding. This suggests that Google is committed to continuously improving and expanding its messaging offerings, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable messaging experience across different devices and platforms.