Google Messages, the popular messaging app from Google, may soon get a new feature that will let users send short videos as GIFs to their contacts. The feature, called Selfie GIFs, was discovered by TheSpAndroid, who found a way to activate it by long-pressing the camera icon in the app.
According to TheSpAndroid, the feature is still in development and has not been officially announced by Google. However, they were able to test it and share some screenshots of how it works. When the feature is enabled, long-pressing the camera icon will bring up a new UI with a circular camera frame in the middle. There is also a button to switch between the front and rear cameras at the bottom. After a 3-second countdown, the app will automatically start recording a 4-second video.
Once the video is recorded, users can preview it as a GIF in a new UI. They can then choose to either reset the recording or send it as a round GIF to their chat partner. The feature is similar to the one available in the camera app of Chromebooks, which also allows users to create and send GIFs.
Google Messages has been receiving a lot of updates and new features lately, as Google tries to improve its messaging experience. In December, Google added some new features to the app, such as screen effects, custom backgrounds, and more. These features allow users to customize their chats and make them more expressive and fun.
Google also updated its contacts page with the Material You design, which adapts to the user’s wallpaper and preferences. The contacts page also shows a carousel of recent conversations and suggested contacts. Moreover, Google rolled out some new features and improvements for Pixel devices in the latest Pixel Feature Drop. These include Video Boost, which enhances the quality and colors of video playback, and Photo Unblur, which helps users fix blurry photos.
Now, with the Selfie GIFs feature, Google Messages may become even more appealing and enjoyable for users. The feature is not yet available for everyone, but it may be rolled out soon. It will add a new dimension to the messaging app, allowing users to send short and fun videos as GIFs to their friends and family.