Key points:
- Google Messages reintroduces fullscreen animations triggered by specific keywords.
- Users now have control over these “Screen Effects” with an on/off toggle.
- “I love you” and “Sounds good” are no longer animation triggers, possibly due to overuse.
Google Messages is adding some pizzazz back to your conversations with the return of Screen Effects. This feature, first previewed in late 2023, briefly takes over the screen with a fun animation when you send or receive specific keywords in SMS and RCS chats. After a limited Valentine’s Day rollout and subsequent removal, Screen Effects are making a comeback with a crucial upgrade: user control.
The latest update to Google Messages, rolling out now to both stable and beta channels, introduces a long-awaited “Show expressive animations” setting. This toggle allows you to decide whether you want to be bombarded with celebratory confetti for a simple “Congratulations” or bask in the digital sunrise of a “Rise and shine” message.
The selection of animation triggers appears to have been refined as well. While Google originally promised over 15 hidden keywords, some common phrases like “I love you” and “Sounds good” seem to have been excluded, perhaps to avoid overwhelming users with celebratory animations for everyday communication.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the confirmed Screen Effects currently in play:
- Booo (with at least three o’s): Brace yourself for a barrage of virtual tomatoes.
- Congratulations: Pop the virtual champagne with balloons and confetti.
- Going to the beach: Take a mini digital vacation with waves and beachy objects.
- Hahahaha (four ha’s required): Embrace the inflatable tube man meme in all its glory.
- Rise and shine: Greet the day with a charming animated sunrise.
With the ability to control these expressive animations, Google Messages offers a way to personalize your messaging experience and add a touch of whimsy to your conversations. So, the next time you want to celebrate a victory with a virtual shower of confetti or send some good vibes with a playful animation, keep an eye out for those hidden keywords and unleash the power of Screen Effects!
