Google brings stickers and location-sharing to Messenger

We’re not quite sure why Google’s Messenger app exists alongside Hangouts. But the former is getting some new features. Version 1.4 of the app adds sticker packs to make texting a bit more interesting (or annoying, depending on who you ask). You can download up to three packs, some of them are even animated. You also get location-sharing capability. Like with Hangouts, you get a small screenshot of a map with coordinates. It also has a quick launch link that redirects to Google Maps. Google also improved scrolling to make it easier for you to look through archives of texts. The update seems to be making its way to Messenger users already but it isn’t showing up on the Play Store just yet.

Source: GreenBot

Google’s official texting app lets you fire away quick replies

It doesn’t seem to be as sophisticated as iOS implementation for quick replies to texts but it’s a step in the right direction. Google updates its default Messenger app (not Hangouts) to let you quickly reply to text messages from a notification. When the text comes in and you hit the Reply button at the bottom of the notification, it’ll take you to a full-screen quick reply view and hammer out that text. And yes, you can put emojis in there as well. If you opt to open the full Messenger app, you can also select that option there. The update should be heading your way soon.

Source: 9to5Google