Google is finally rolling out end-to-end encryption for all Google Messages users — putting it one step closer to having feature parity with the ever-popular iMessage. While the feature does come with a few quirks and limitations that iMessage does not, it's still a big step in the right direction for Google's Android messaging platform.
Google has been hard at work over the last couple of years creating its own messaging service that can go toe-to-toe with iMessage. In November 2020, Google updated its SMS texting app — Google Messages — to include a heap of additional features. So long as someone is using the Google Messages app and has Chat features enabled, they can send texts over Wi-Fi, see when other people are typing, share much higher-quality photos/videos than what SMS texting is capable of, and more. It's a similar experience to what's found on iMessage, and thanks to Google Messages' latest update, it just stole another one of its best features.
On June 15, Google announced that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is now rolling out to all Google Messages users after being in beta since last November. E2EE makes it impossible for Google or third-party companies to see the contents of any messages that are sent in the app. Only the people sending and receiving texts can see what the messages actually say — even if the messages are somehow intercepted. It's a security feature that's allowed apps like iMessage and Signal to become so popular over the years, and now Google Messages offers it as well. E2EE will automatically be enabled when both parties are using Google Messages and have Chat features enabled (as represented by a small lock icon by the send button). The feature is currently limited to one-to-one conversations with no support for group messages, however, meaning it's not quite up to par with competing platforms. Still, it's a huge step in the right direction for Google Messages to be considered a legitimate threat to iMessage.
Google Messages Also Has A New 'Star' Feature
While E2EE is easily the biggest update for Google Messages, it's not the only new feature the app is getting. Google also announced that uses will soon be able to star messages that are important. If someone sends their Wi-Fi password, for example, users can tap and hold on the message, tap the star icon, and it'll then be sent to a starred folder — making those messages much easier to find in the future.
Google Messages may never have the same level of notoriety that iMessage does, but that's not really the point. So long as it offers a good experience with robust features, a clean UI, and top-notch security, that's all that matters. The addition of E2EE fills one of the last remaining holes in Google Messages' feature set. For folks that have been interested in Messages but have been waiting for Google to up its security game, now's the perfect time to finally give it a shot.
Source: Google