New Google Messages Feature Leaks! WhatsApp And Telegram Must Be Alert!

Google Messages continues to get a number of new features (photo: sit. google)

JAKARTA - Since Google brought RCS (Rich Communication Services) to Android phones, Google Messages has continued to gain a number of new features that make it an increasingly resilient competitor to platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Now, one of the newest features being developed can make Google Messages even more interesting, especially for users of chat groups: the mentions feature.

Have you ever had trouble getting someone's attention in regular chat groups? On WhatsApp and Telegram, the mention feature by typing @ followed by contact name has become a mainstay solution. Well, a similar feature is being tested by Google for the Messages app.

According to a report from the Android Authority, this feature was discovered through the deep APK dive process. Although it has not been officially released, this feature can already be activated in the latest beta version of Google Messages (version 20250511 beta). When the user types the symbol @ in the message field, a list of group members will appear that can be mentioned. After selecting someone, the name will automatically appear in the text, and once the message is sent, the name will be highlighted.

Interestingly, if the user taps on the name mentioned, a profile photo of the person will appear and a small toolbar contains the option to send private messages, call, or view contact info features that are very similar to other large chat platforms.

However, this feature is not yet completely perfect. One of the weaknesses at this time is that users who are said to have not received a special notification. This is natural for features that are still in the development stage.

Google seems to be still working on improvements before rolling out this feature widely. The unanswered question is whether this feature will be exclusive to Pixel devices, and whether it can only be used in groups with active RCS support. Given that the implementation of RCS is still not evenly distributed in all devices and operators, the future of this feature is not entirely certain.

With the addition of features like this, Google Messages is increasingly showing the potential to be a serious alternative to WhatsApp. Moreover, if Google really brings this feature widely to all Android devices, not just Pixels.

For now, we'll just have to wait for the official news from Google whether this mention feature will become a new weapon in the world's fierce competition for instant messaging apps.