The Android Messages app is becoming one of the best ways for sending and receiving text messages. Specifically, RCS standard support and ample features will also be available in the feature. Here are five best features of Android Messages.
A standard text message doesn't come with a lot of features, but there are just a few tweaks you can do with Messages. Instead of tapping on Send, you can long-press it. That brings up two things and you can then add a title to your message by selecting the new field and entering your text. This will make the message behave like an MMS, but it should load on the recipient's phone as it's just a normal text message.
Your message list might be a mess after a few months, and there are some conversations you haven't touched in ages. You can remove them without getting rid of them completely, which is great. It allows you to archive old threads, but you can still restore them whenever you want. All you need is long-pressing to choose multiple conversations and then tapping on the archive button. You can also swipe left or right on a conversation to archive it. If you want to see them, go to Menu > Archived to see and restore them when needed.
Android Messages lets you block your spam numbers. Long-press on a conversation to choose it, and then tap on the block button at the top. This will prevents messages and calls from the select contact from bothering you.
Note: Blocking a contact will delete the conversation, so just block someone if you really don't want to see the thread again.
In case you want to remove a block, simply go to Menu > Blocked contacts. Tap on the X near the contact you want to unblock to get messages again.
You might know that Android Messages allows adding stickers and photos to a conversation, but there are more hiding features in that menu. All you need is tapping on the + button in a conversation and you will see a list of stickers and other fun stuff. Scroll down to see the good stuff. You can easily add your location, or send or request money via Google Pay. But you have to grant location access to get these features. One more thing you should note that Google Pay only works in one-on-one conversations after setting up the Pay app.
If SMS is your primary communication, you should not skip Android Messages widget as it is a real timesaver. Although there are no settings to clue you into the existence of widget, you can find it in the home screen widget list. There are two widget options for you to choose from. One shows the most recent message in all conversations, and another just shows a single conversation. The single conversation version will come with a pop-up composition box for sending new messages.