Google Messages Receives end-to-end encryption. With this new functionality, the application stands out as a serious competitor WhatsApp.

Messages is an SMS and instant messaging application developed for the Android mobile operating system. It has been offered by Google since 2014. The leader in online research is equipped with the RCS messaging protocol in 2018. In April 2020, it had more than a billion downloads. Due to this huge success, Google has launched a massive project to strengthen message security. Last December, it announced its intention to offer the popular end-to-end encryption method. A characteristic Finally implemented.

Now only conversation participants can read the encrypted content of messages without the need for special keys.

When messages become WhatsApp

Google messaging app is mainly used for SMS and MMS conversion. However, the number of its features has increased significantly in recent years. Messages with the possibility of attaching images and other multimedia files allow communication in text messaging mode. The RCS protocol guarantees secure communication.

Mountain View has been testing end-to-end encryption since last November. This feature is finally available for Android smartphones. However, its activation is done manually. To do this, you need to go to the settings of the application. The device must also have Internet access. There will be a closed padlock with protected messages. This icon appears under each message.

Note that end-to-end encryption is not yet available for group chats. ” End-to-end message encryption helps keep your conversations secure. This ensures that no one can read the content on your phone as it flows between your phone and the person you are sending the message to. », Describes in any case Google on the display page of the new functionality.

Other features to come

Google plans to turn off end-to-end encryption for its messaging app. The number one search engine is preparing other features. According to several sources, its developers are working on the possibility of pinning conversations. Pinned messages are therefore displayed at the top of the page. This makes it easy for the user to find their favorite conversations.

Another feature that is reportedly under development is the ability to tag messages. When the user wants, they can easily find important messages without going through the whole conversation thread. Note that this evidence is interesting in code version 8.1.050 of Google Messages.