Skip to main content

Google’s new Messenger app lands in Play Store with Material Design

google messenger lands play store
Image used with permission by copyright holder
If messaging via Hangouts fails to float your boat, or you’ve simply chosen to steer clear of Google’s communications app for reasons you’d rather not share, then the Web giant is hoping to tempt you with its overhauled standalone messaging app, which landed on the Play Store on Wednesday.

Google Messenger incorporates the Mountain View company’s new Material Design aesthetic, though beyond that the app does what you’d expect with any half-decent SMS/MMS offering.

Recommended Videos

According to its Play Store listing, Google Messenger lets you select pictures and videos – or take new ones – from directly within the app for fast and simple sharing. If your fingers are done for the day, you can also fire off audio messages to contacts with a couple of taps.

The search function on the new app allows you to quickly find your way through contacts and conversation threads to find what you’re after, and for those who like to add a bit of color to their messages, emoji support is also included.

Users can block senders if a friend turns into a foe – or if you simply don’t want to be disturbed by a particular person at a certain time – and a simple procedure let’s you unblock if you so wish.

If you thought Google would’ve preferred to concentrate on getting everyone into Hangouts, which offers a number of features besides just messaging, then the launch of its Messenger app appears to suggest otherwise.

Coming pre-installed on Android 5.0 Lollipop devices, Google Messenger also works on devices running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and up and can be grabbed at the Play Store now by hitting this link.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
This Google app will make your Pixel look more like an iPhone
A person holding the Google Pixel 9.

As Google's Pixel line of phones has grown over the years, some fans have pointed out the increasing resemblance to the iPhone. The rounded edges, sleek design, and raised camera bump are all reminiscent of Apple's iconic device — especially with the newest Google Pixel 9.

Now, it looks like even the incoming call screen of the Google Phone app will be taking on an iPhone-like appearance. This is according to an APK breakdown by Android Authority.

Read more
This new Android phone could give the Google Pixel 8a a run for its money
Infinix Zero 40 5G.

Here in the United States, we have access to a lot of different phones -- but we're missing out on many of the best bang-for-your-buck budget devices available in other parts of the world. The launch of the Infinix Zero 40 5G is yet another reminder of low- or midrange phones that never see a Western release, especially since it would be a solid competitor to the Google Pixel 8a.

The Infinix Zero 40 5G has a lot going for it, especially considering it costs around $335 to $370 depending on your configuration (versus the current sale price of $399 for the Pixel 8a.) It even has a feature I've never seen in another phone: a GoPro mode. Just look at how travelers can use it to control their cameras.

Read more
Google’s Find My Device app is copying a helpful iPhone feature
Someone using Find My with an iPhone 15.

Google's Find My Device network is still a work in progress, with features being added slowly. According to 9to5Google, an important feature that could arrive soon has proven crucial to its chief competitor, Apple, with the Find My app on the iPhone.

In the latest version of the Find My Device app for Android, v3.1.148, Google has set what’s being called a “foundation” for a compass feature -- just like Apple's Precision Finding tool.

Read more