In an APK teardown of the Google Messages app last month, we learned that Google was working on adding a new feature that would allow users to star specific messages in chats. Google formally announced this feature this month. And now it’s finally rolling out to users on the latest open beta version.

WhatsApp and Telegram have long offered the ability to star messages, and Google Message is finally catching up. When you come across a message that you want to refer back to in the near future, Messages will let you add a star badge to it so you can get straight to that message without having to scroll through a pile of old texts. When you long-press on the message, and you’ll see a star icon appear at the top alongside copy and delete options.

There's also a new “Starred” category in the search bar that will let you filter all starred messages.

Another feature that’s rolling out to some Google Messages users is pinned conversations. We also spotted this in our APK teardown last month, and it’s starting to roll out to some users in the latest beta version. As the name suggests, the feature allows users to pin important conversations at the top, so they don't get buried deep down as you receive other new messages.

Pinned conversations hasn't been announced by Google yet, but we first spotted it rolling out to users earlier this month, and a few more users have tipped us it's now available for them.

The ability to star messages is rolling out in the latest beta version of the Messages app. Meanwhile, the pinned conversations feature is currently being tested with fewer beta users, and has also not yet been formally announced. You can try your luck by joining the beta program from the Google Play Store.

Google Messages also recently gained AI-powered message sorting and auto OTP deletion features. However, these features are currently only available to Indian users.

Messages Developer: Google LLC
Price: Free
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