What you should know
- Google has announced that the feature of starring messages in Google Chat, which was previously available on the web version, is coming to mobile in the next few weeks.
- Android and iOS users can star messages to easily access them later by using a shortcut on the contextual menu in the redesigned navigation panel.
- The feature to star messages is not available in existing spaces organized by conversation topic (legacy threaded) but is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.
- Google has stated that Android users should get the ability to star messages in Chat in the next two weeks starting on January 19, while iOS users will get the feature in the same time frame but starting on January 16.
Full Story
Google’s got news for us. They’ve announced that the star messages feature, which was released on the web version of Chat in November, is coming to mobile. And it’s not too far off – we’re talking about the next few weeks.
So, what’s the deal with this feature? Android and iOS users will be able to access any “starred” messages in Google Chat. They’ve added a shortcut on the contextual menu in the redesigned navigation panel. It’s a nifty tool if you need to revisit a message in a chat later.
Here’s how it works. To star a message on Android or iOS, just long-press on it and tap the star. Easy-peasy. And if you change your mind? You can unstar a message from the original message or the shortcut.
But wait, there’s a catch. Google says you can’t star messages in existing spaces organized by conversation topic (what they call “legacy threaded”). Bummer, right? But on the bright side, the new feature is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.
Now, let’s talk availability. Android users, mark your calendars for January 19. That’s when Google says you should get the ability to star messages in Chat. And iOS users, your turn starts on January 16. Both will have the new feature in about the same amount of time.
