In its Messages app, Google is experimenting with end-to-end encryption for group discussions. By adding this functionality, group chatting will become more secure. Notably, in the upcoming weeks, the new feature will start to roll out to Messages users signed up for the open beta programme. At its I/O 2022 event earlier this year, Google unveiled the group chat E2EE (end-to-end encryption) feature. All one-on-one RCS chats in the Messages by Google app already support E2EE, and all texts are secure.
In a blog post, the search engine giant stated that E2EE is now accessible for group discussions in Messages. E2EE messages, according to the company, are safe and secure and can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.
As of right now, Google Messages' private messages are encrypted. As of right now, some users participating in the open beta programme can also use this feature for group chats. The release of the feature will happen over the next few weeks. According to reports, group chats with E2EE enabled will display a banner saying "This chat is now end-to-end encrypted." There will also be a lock icon available on the send button.
Users who sign up for Google's open beta programme as testers will get access to all new features before they are made available to the general public.
On its Messages app, Google is also experimenting with new emoji replies for RCS conversations and SMS texts. Only the thumbs up, heart eyes, laughing, shocked, crying, and angry emoji are available right now. Google will be introducing more emojis, though fewer than WhatsApp, Telegram, and Slack. By simply holding and pressing a text message, users will be able to respond with an emoji.
The new Google Messages emoji replies are now only available to a small number of test users, but they will probably soon be available to everyone. When it is fully implemented, users will see a new addition symbol in the emoji choices that, according to reports, shows the whole emoji picker that may be used. By touching the emoji in the corner of the replied message, users will now be able to view the name of the receiver who reacted with it.
