Google adds Gemini chatbot feature to Messages app

Image: Google

Google has announced a series of Android and app updates ahead of MWC, including a new feature that lets you chat with its own chatbot Gemini: right from Google Messages. You can start chatting with Gemini as soon as you update the Messages app this week, but you’ll need to join Google’s beta testing program first.

There’s no need for a Google One subscription for this version, unlike Gemini Advanced which offers more capabilities but requires a subscription. While Gemini is reported to be a bit of a disappointing chat partner, integrating the chatbot into your messaging app might make it seem more friendly. Gemini in Messages is currently only in English and in select markets.

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Magic Compose in Google Messages comes to more markets

Screenshots: 9to5Google

Google introduced Magic Compose, a feature that helps users write better messages, at I/O 2023. It was first available only in the US. But now, it looks like it has expanded to other countries. It's been reported to be available in France and the UK.

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The messaging app by Google is now simply called Google Messages

Google has quietly dropped the “by Google” suffix from its messaging app, which is now simply called “Google Messages.” The previous name, “Messages by Google,” was mainly used by the company itself, its partners, and other official sources for marketing purposes. For instance, the YouTube video that showcased the app’s major update last year was titled “Messages by Google – New features and a new look coming your way.” However, most users referred to the app as “Google Messages,” and that is now the official name on the Play Store.

This change follows the app’s recent redesign, which added the four-colour “G” logo next to the word “Messages” in the app's top-left corner. The app is still called “Messages” on Android devices. And it is unclear if Google will also rename its phone app, which is currently called “Phone by Google.”

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Google’s Magic Compose feature comes with a privacy trade-off

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Google is rolling out the beta of Magic Compose, a new feature in its Messages app that uses AI to suggest text messages based on your conversation. But as Android Police reports, there's a catch: to generate suggestions, Google will send up to "20 previous messages" from your chat to its servers—even if you're using end-to-end encryption (E2EE) with RCS.

Google explains this on its Magic Compose support page, saying it will use these messages, and any emoji, reactions, and URLs they contain, to help its AI create a suitable reply. Google says it won't send any messages with attachments, voice messages, or images, but it warns that "image captions and voice transcriptions may be sent." These messages will then be discarded, with Google not storing any data or using it for training its AI models.

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