For anyone who uses popular platforms like Slack, Instagram, or Google Chat, the @mention system is a natural and indispensable way to communicate. It’s the simplest way to direct a message to a specific person and ensure they see it. Oddly, this fundamental feature has been missing from Google Messages, the company’s primary platform for RCS and SMS texting. However, it looks like Google Messages will finally receive the “mentions” feature in the near future.

Recent progress in the Google Messages’ code confirms that this communication gap is closing. Google is actively developing and testing a complete system to bring modern @mentions into its messaging app. As spotted by Android Authority, this will drastically improve group conversations.

Google Messages group chats will get much better with “mentions”

When Google finally rolls out this feature, the experience for the person being tagged will be immediate and clear. If someone tags you in a group chat using your username—for example, “@JaneDoe”—you will no longer have to scroll back through a long conversation to find where you were addressed.

Google Messages app mentions leak 1

Google Messages app mentions leak 2

The system will add a visible @symbol next to the chat in your main conversation list. This small but vital visual cue instantly tells you that someone specifically mentioned you in that thread. So, it will be nearly impossible to miss an important note or question.

A smoother user tagging experience

Google is also working on making the tagging process feel intuitive and frictionless for the sender. Initially, previews of the system suggested users would need to manually type the “@” character before a name to activate the tagging feature. But now, developers are making the process smoother. The “mentions” system will offer automatic suggestions simply by beginning to type another user’s name within the Google Messages chat window. This prediction feature mirrors the ease of use found on social media platforms and other messaging services.

Google Messages app mentions tag suggestion leak 1

Google Messages app mentions tag suggestion leak 2

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These upgrades will undoubtedly be significant steps toward bringing Google Messages up to parity with other modern messaging solutions. However, one key piece of information remains missing: the official release date. Google is clearly finalizing the technical details, including usage tips that will appear for users once the feature goes live. But sadly, there is no official word on when users can expect to start tagging their friends in their group chats.

Until then, the community will keep watching for Google to flip the switch on this long-overdue upgrade.
The post Google Messages to Finally Get a „Mentions” Feature appeared first on Android Headlines.

Source: ndroidheadlines.com