Google Messages rolls out Custom Bubbles for RCS chats
Google Messages is gradually rolling out a new feature, Custom Bubbles, that allows users to personalize the color and backdrop of their Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats. This update was first previewed in late November, and has recently started to become available beyond the beta version. However, it is not yet fully accessible to those in the preview channel.
Customizing bubble colors in Google Messages
According to Google's official support document, users can "select a theme for the background and message bubbles" for RCS conversations. To change colors, users need to click on the contact or group name and select 'Change colors' from the additional options menu. However, if a chat with a chosen theme is deleted or a new chat with the same contact is started, the theme will revert to default colors.
Custom Bubbles exclusive to RCS chats
The Custom Bubbles feature is currently only available for RCS chats and does not seem to appear in SMS conversations. Once the feature is enabled on a device, 'Change colors' will be visible in the Google Messages additional options menu. It can also be accessed from the revamped Contact Details section beneath the image carousel.
Google Messages offers 9 color choices
The new feature provides a fullscreen preview interface with nine color choices: Default (Material You Dynamic Color), Turquoise, Purple, Blue, Green, Orange, Fuchsia, Pink, and Monochrome. The selected theme is applicable to almost everything on the screen except for the text box (and voice recorder button), which remains light or dark. The Details page does not adopt the custom theme but maintains Dynamic Color theming throughout the rest of the app.
Custom Bubbles prominent with the dark theme off
The Custom Bubbles are more noticeable when the dark theme is turned off, revealing the RCS background composed of bubbles. This pattern appears to be consistent across various conversations. Currently, if a user assigns a theme and the other person doesn't have Custom Bubbles yet, they will not see any change on their phone.
