Google Messages Beta Adds Profiles, Bubbles; Gemini Bot, Audio Upgrades Still Pending Wide Launch
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New features in beta testing include Profiles for customizing your name/photo, Custom Bubbles with RCS backgrounds, and more Screen Effects.
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Upcoming features include Gemini chatbot integration, a redesigned audio recorder with Noise Cancellation and Voice Moods, and a new fullscreen conversation picker.
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Recent launches include Reaction Effects, updated Contact Details, text field redesigns, and Photomoji.
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Some announced features like Gemini take a long time to actually launch widely after initial tests.
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Google Messages frequently A/B tests new capabilities but rolls them out slowly even after announcing them.