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Google has been adding new features to Google Messages over the past several months, and we just got a glimpse of one that might be on the way. According to a new report, Google Messages might let you view people’s profiles when using it.
This news was discovered through an APK deep-dive. This means that you’ll want to take this information with a grain of salt. There’s code hidden within Android, and it points to this feature being in production. However, this was not officially announced by Google. This means that the company could make changes to the feature or pull it altogether. stay tuned for more updates on this story.
Google Messages might let you see users’ profiles
Google isn’t a social media company, but you still have a profile with it that shows a profile picture and some information about you. You see your profile when you’re using services like Gmail, Google Maps, Chrome, and other products.
You’re also able to see it when you’re using Google Messages. You just need to tap on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen to access it.
However, if you tap on one of your contacts, it won’t show you their profile. Instead, it will take you to your Contacts app. Well, according to the code hidden within Android, it looks like Google Messages is looking to make the messaging experience more personal.
In the APK deep-dive, there were some strings found pointing to you being able to see other people’s profiles:
<string name=”profile_settings_title”>Profile</string>
<string name=”profile_sharing_title”>Profile sharing</string>
<string name=”profile_onboarding_banner_title”>Choose your profile name & picture so people can recognize you</string>
<string name=”profile_onboarding_banner_snackbar_success_text”>Preferences saved</string>
<string name=”profile_onboarding_banner_snackbar_save_error_text”>Failed to save name & picture. Please try again later.</string>
These strings point to the settings screen that will let you customize the profile settings. It looks like you’ll be able to customize how your profile will appear on Google Messages.
Right now, when you use Google Messages, other people appear as color circles with the first letter of their name. If you want to see a picture of the person, you’ll have to manually set it. However, if Google Messages enables profiles, then you should be able to see your contacts’ profile pictures show up automatically.