Google tests new Instagram style effects in Messages

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Google is known for constantly testing new features in all of their apps. One of the apps that has seen a lot of changes recently is Android Messages. Just a few weeks ago we found Google testing message reminders and verified business features in Android Messages. Now, Google is testing Instagram style effects in the messaging app. Thanks to some help from XDA Recognized Developer , we were able to enable these new effects, which you can see in action below.

There are 5 camera effects we were able to test in Android Messages: plane, balloons, fireworks, confetti, and an angel. The feature is present in the camera viewfinder, so when you go to send a picture you can select the effects tab. This is only for sending pictures you take in the Messages app and not in your regular camera. These will send with MMS, SMS, or RCS depending on what your device supports.

These effects are very similar to something like Instagram or Snapchat. They augment your face and add effects to them. Sadly, unlike the Instagram or Snapchat filters, these don’t give you a puppy dog face, and Google is starting off with only 5 to choose from.

These Android Messages effects are super cool, not because they are Instagram style effects built directly into your messaging app, but because of how well they work. They are able to recognize your face and put things in front and behind you with great accuracy. The balloon effect screenshot shows it perfectly. If it were higher quality, you might not even be able to tell if the balloons were fake.

Google is trying to position Android Messages to be more of an iMessage competitor. These new features, along with RCS, might have a chance of bringing more users to Android Messages, which is critical in getting that ubiquitous iMessage-like experience.