Google Messages gets new emoji reaction effects

What do you want to know

• Emoji reaction effects are available for SMS or RCS messages.
• Ten reactions in total are available to users, and each will send a unique animated effect.
• Currently, the feature cannot be disabled for users who are not interested.

Google is introducing emoji reaction effects intended to improve the conversational experience on Google Messages.

For example, a thumbs-up reaction sends several animated thumbs-up icons, while a crying face emoji reaction sends an animated umbrella with rain effects.

To take advantage of this newly rolled out feature, users simply need to long press on a message, SMS or RCS, and they will be able to select the appropriate reaction from a designated list of 10.

The 10 reactions are: thumbs up, thumbs down, red heart, face with tears of joy, face with open mouth, mad face, angry face, crying face, party popper, and more.

This new update follows Google’s introduction of Photomoji, animated emojis and screen effects. Although it was initially revealed in November as part of a broader Messages update to celebrate Messages’ one billion RCS users, it took a while to make its way to handhelds.

At the time, Google said“This feature, designed to add a dynamic touch to your chats, embraces the power of expression with these ten popular emoji.”

While these effects may appeal to many users, other users may not see the same benefit. As it stands, these users cannot turn off reactions, although this may change in the future.

Overall, the latest update brings Google Messages closer to competitor iMessage, available on Apple’s ecosystem. Previously, iMessage produced such effects, but with a different deployment mechanism. Either way, this update will help make chatting more fun, and fun is always worth celebrating.