Google Messages gets its fun Screen Effects feature back
 

• Google has relaunched the Screen Effects feature on its messaging app.
• Screen effects are triggered by select words and phrases like “Booo” or “Going to the beach.”
• They show up on both SMS and RCS conversations.

Google previewed the Screen Effects feature last year, and it finally made an appearance in the Google Messages app around Valentines Day. The feature received somewhat of a mixed response, with some users enjoying the effects and others finding them distracting or unnecessary. Whether it was due to technical issues or mixed feedback from users, the Mountain View tech giant pulled the feature soon after its launch.

However, it appears that Screen Effects is now back and supports more triggers (via 9to5Google). The effects occur on the Google Messages app for both SMS and RCS conversations when you receive or send messages that contain the trigger words or phrases. Its available on the stable channel (version 20240621_00_RC00) as well as on beta channels. Unlike when it was rolled out last time, though, users now have the option to disable Screen Effects.




More...