Google has rolled out a new feature for Google Messages that is a bit different from the app's usual features: the app itself communicates with the user via a business chat to explain the features and capabilities of Google Messages. This feature was previously in testing, but now it appears to be active for some users.
According to ITNA quoting Android Authority, it was revealed earlier this year that Google intended to add a similar feature to Google Messages so users could receive more information about updates and new features of the app. The initial version resembled a chatbot and had limited information about the app's real capabilities, but the new version apparently has more complete functionality.
Based on a report posted by one user on Reddit, the Business Chat feature is now being enabled on some devices. In the posted image, the chat first explains the benefits of using Google Messages and the RCS standard, and then allows the user to ask about more features of the app.
At present, it appears users mostly have to choose from quick, pre-set responses and cannot freely send messages to this active chat. It is not yet clear whether this limitation is part of the final design of the feature or is currently imposed because the rollout has just begun.
Importantly, the feature is not yet available to all users and is not active on all devices even in the beta version of Google Messages. This could indicate that Google is rolling out the new feature server-side and in stages, or that access is limited in some regions.
If this feature is broadly released, Google Messages could directly acquaint users with new features, RCS capabilities, and better ways to use the app; an approach that could be useful for users unfamiliar with the new features of Google's messenger.