The most recent Google Messages beta includes customizable chat colors

Rich Communication Services, or RCS for short, is frequently referred to as “Advanced Messaging.” It is a new standard that helps users exchange text messages with read receipts, reactions, typing indicators, and end-to-end encryption, along with high-resolution photos, videos, and GIFs. In short, it can overcome the shortcomings of SMS and MMS. SMS transmits messages via cellular networks; however, RCS content needs data connectivity in order to be transmitted. This is the main distinction between RCS and SMS.

Back in December, Google Messages announced the arrival of the Custom Bubbles feature. With the help of this feature, users can customize chat colors within the app. However, the feature is restricted to RCS Messages. The tech giant Google has not shared the details regarding the rollout of these features. It was spotted within the recent beta version 20240125_01_RCOO of Google Messages.

The new feature was tried out by tipster Assemble Debug. He activated the new feature by turning on some flags, followed by the installation of the new beta. Thus, if you want to test it out, you’ll need to go through a lot of hoops in order to activate it. Alternatively, you can wait for the wider rollout, which should be a short time off given that the feature has surfaced in the app’s beta version.

Users of Google Messages will have the option to select from nine distinct chat bubble colors, each of which has a matching background. It will be possible for the sender and recipient to switch chat colors for one another. Custom colors can be used in Google Messages groups and one-on-one RCS chats.