Google’s browser client for Android Messages has finally completed its deployment, allowing all users to handle their text messages from their browsers rather than from their smartphone. This makes it easier for users who would rather type from the full keyboard of a PC instead of the much smaller keyboard of their Android smartphone. With Android Messages for the web, users can read any messages sent to their phone, as well as compose messages and send them out like they were from the smartphone. Just like the mobile version of Android Messages, the web version fully supports text messages, stickers, images, and more, offering a well-rounded experience.
Using Android Messages for the Web is pretty simple and straightforward, resembling the process employed by Google Allo, or WhatsApp. First of all, users have to open the Android Messages app on their smartphone, as the web client will not work otherwise. The next step is to open the Android Messages website, which will display a QR code. From the app on the smartphone, select the “More” options menu marked with three vertical dots, then choose “Messages for web.” This should allow users to scan the QR code displayed on the Android Messages website, thus pairing the smartphone app with the web client.
From here on, users can handle their Android messages from the browser just like they would on their smartphone, with the extra convenience of a larger screen and a computer keyboard. At the same time, with Android Messages for the Web, Google is banking on its RCS platform more to boost Chat, which should allow it to better compete against other messaging clients such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Apple’s iMessage, Viber, and more. With Android Messages both on mobile and on the web, Google has a better chance to boost adoption and get ahead in the race. On the downside, unlike many other messaging platforms, RCS doesn’t come with end-to-end encryption and that may put off some prospective customers. Those who would like to give it a try, meanwhile, can download the Android Messages app for free from the Play Store and start using the web client as well.