- The @mention feature is currently being tested on Google Messages
- Users see it in Google Messages beta
- This is one of several recent updates to the app
Over time, Google Messages has evolved from a simple SMS client to a much more modern messaging app, and the latest feature added is user mentions – so you can finally @ someone specifically in your chats.
As spotted by 9to5Mac, the feature now appears to be in testing, according to reports on Reddit. However, it doesn’t seem to be available to everyone yet, so you may have to wait patiently for Google to enable User Mentions on your phone.
The upgrade was previously spotted hidden in Google Messages code, first in March and then again in May. This is the first time we’ve seen it go live for the general public, although it appears to be a limited test for now – Google hasn’t officially said anything about it yet.
To see if the feature has been brought to Google Messages on your device, try typing an “@” in one of your group chats – and if your phone has the update, you’ll then see a list of contacts you can choose from and mention.
This is how it works
@mention in Google Messages! from r/GoogleMessages
The first time you see this in Google Messages, you’ll see a message explaining how it works: The @mention feature can be used to get the attention of a specific person and will trigger a notification even if chat notifications have been turned off.
For now, the feature appears to be limited to users running the Google Messages for Android beta. You may be able to join the beta from the Play Store app: tap your profile picture (top right), then Manage apps and devices > Installed > Google Messages and press Join under the Join the beta title.
According to people who have seen this before, the name that initially appears as a mention will match the name saved in your contacts. You can then edit it if necessary – removing a last name, for example.
Even though the feature is only being tested in beta for now, it shouldn’t be long before everyone gets it. In recent months, Google Messages has also added message deletion features and custom icons for group chats.
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