Google Messages is Testing @Mentions in RCS Group Chats: A New Way to Get Attention
Google Messages is rolling out a new feature that will change the way you interact in group chats. Starting with the beta version 2025110300RC00, you can now @mention individuals to grab their attention, even if their notifications are muted. This feature is designed to make it easier to engage with specific people in a group conversation.
Here's how it works: when you type '@' in a group chat, a menu of contacts will appear. You can then select the person you want to mention by choosing their name from the list. The mentioned person will receive a notification, even if their notifications are turned off. This is particularly useful in large group chats where it can be challenging to ensure everyone is paying attention.
One interesting aspect of this feature is the ability to customize how your contact name is displayed. After mentioning someone, you can edit the name that others see by deleting words. For example, you can remove a person's last name from the message, ensuring that only the first name is visible to the group. This level of customization adds a personal touch to your group chats.
While @mentions are currently in the beta phase, it's an exciting development for Google Messages users. It joins other recent updates, such as the ability to set custom icons for group chats and the introduction of invite links and QR codes for joining group chats. These features aim to enhance the overall user experience and make group communication more efficient and engaging.
Stay tuned for more updates on Google Messages as the team continues to innovate and improve the messaging experience.
