By Pascal Oparada
Google is now closing the gap between Android and iOS as Android Messages now lets users send text messages from their computers.
In an update rolling out today, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, Google is releasing support for texting service called Android Messages. The update would allow Android smartphone owners to send and receive text messages from their computers and laptops.
Text, images, and stickers would also be supported on the web version of the service.
Android users can get started by visiting the new Android Messages website. From there, they’ll be presented with a QR code that they’ll then scan with the Android Messages app.
Google says it wants the service to work in all major browsers. At launch, it will support Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
The one caveat is that your phone has to connect to the internet — either through mobile data or WiFi. Depending on how many messages you send with pictures and other large files, it could be a deal-breaker in some situations. Google recommends staying connected to WiFi to save your mobile data while using the desktop service.
Google announced in April that they were aiming to fix Android Messages, and this marks the first major update to the service since the initial announcement. Additionally, in a similar move to Apple’s in iOS 12, Android Messages will now identify authentication codes and prompt them as fill-ins when appropriate.
Android Messages for the web starts rolling out to users today and will reach a large majority of users before the end of the week. Just be sure you’re connected to your WiFi when using it.
