[Update: Official] Android Messages for desktop browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and more is going live

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Back in February, we reported that Google’s default text messaging/RCS client for Android, Android Messages, would be accessible over desktop web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and more. Then in April, we reported that work on the Android app was complete as the setup process for the desktop integration was accessible. Finally a week later, Google officially confirmed that Android Messages would be available on the web in the near future. Now, that day has finally arrived as Messages for web has gone live.

Although the webpage has gone live, it appears that the feature has not been activated within the Android app yet. It’ll likely slowly roll out today as Google flips the server-side switch. A new update to the Messages app is also rolling out today on the Play Store, so be sure to grab that before you wait for Google to activate the feature in the app. (The version number is 3.3.043.) Once it does go live (or you force it like we have) then you’ll be able to access the web client by opening the Messages app, tapping the menu icon, and then selecting “Messages for web.” There, a QR code scanner will appear and then you simply go to the Messages for web page on your desktop browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, etc. and scan the QR code listed there. If you choose to “remember this computer” then you won’t need to scan a QR code in the future.

Update: we have a tutorial on how to set it up here. You’ll need to wait for Google to roll it out server-side, though.

Update 2: and now we have a tutorial on how to forcefully enable it with root access if you really want to try it out now.

Update 3: Google has made it official and has also announced features such as GIF search, smart reply, previewing links, and copying OTPs.

Screenshots credit: XDA Recognized Developer Quinny899

Here is the settings page:

In other news, we’re also seeing evidence that Chromebook/Chrome OS integration with Android Messages is nearly here. And also, there’s a sweet new Material Design overhaul of the Messages app on the way. If you’re a fan of Google’s stock Messages app, then you’ll have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks.