As noted by users on reddit and a writer of XDA, Samsung is rolling out a specialized version of the Google Messages app via a server side change, one with a One UI inspired makeover.
In the updated UI, there’s the big waste of space portion at the top of the display, which is merely a way to help those using the device with one hand. Other than that, it’s the Messages app we all know and appreciate. We already knew that outside of the US, Samsung and Google are besties in terms of messaging. Samsung made Messages the default messenger app on Galaxy S21 devices outside of the US. This UI update only brings the two closer together, which is a good thing.
It’s unclear if this same UI update will head to other Samsung devices. It seems possible, but Samsung hasn’t mentioned it.
Anyone seeing this on their Galaxy S21?
// XDA
Comments
18 responses to “Google Messages Gets One UI Makeover on Galaxy S21 Devices”
Is anyone else not that impressed with RCS? I guess I am in the crowd where most of my contacts have iPhones, so I see no benefit to using the service. I much prefer the cleaner and feature packed Textra. I wish RCS was universal. Maybe someday…
Maybe it will finally fix no RCS on my S21U (unlocked direct from Samsung using a Verizon sim).
@@mcdonsco:disqus Wait, what’s the issue? I was considering getting an unlocked S21 (not an U) and am on Verizon…
If you use Google Messages there is no issues, RCS is available on all carriers via Google messages. Only it’s carrier specific if you use Samsung messages.
Most likely user error
Just says chat features unavailable for this device, contact your carrier. Verizon says it’s a Samsung problem, which I doubt, but I haven’t had time to contact Samsung to see what they say…been that way from day one. But my previous phone, note 20 ultra ALSO unlocked direct from Samsung but using a Verizon sim did work. Just not this S21U.
Must be on the Ultra only , works fine on my S21.
you have carrier services installed right?
No, I haven’t seen that on my phone’s in years.
Installed it, got stuck on verifying number, but now seems to be working (haven’t tested with texts yet, but says it’s working).
Thanks! Had no idea.
God damn that’s ugly. Samsung’s waste of space with just a big label is totally useless. Even worse it looks like Google is copying it in stock Android for Android 12 although luckily not as extreme.
Is that some kind of design language for Android 11? My Oneplus now has the same exact weird whitespace banners. It’s ugly. Maybe Oneplus copied Samsung’s OneUI? If so, they straight up stole that nonsense.
This is so bizarre
My only question is if they’ll make their tablets have a shortcut to the Messages for Web instead of their app to sync messages to their Galaxy Tab like.
That’s pretty cool low key missed it LOL, still haven’t gotten the update if anyone has I am curious post pictures.
I actually like the big wasted space at the top. Makes for a cleaner look instead of some long list of chats filling up the entire screen like some awful spreadsheet
I just noticed there are buttons to place a wifi call or video call in Messages.
Yeah that’s been there for a bit now.