Android messaging gets full screen emoji animations

Google Messages has introduced a playful new feature for Android users, letting certain emojis trigger full-screen animations in RCS chats.

Typing two identical emojis, like a pair of hearts or a thumbs up, can now spark lively ‘Screen Effects’ on your screen.

These effects build on phrase-triggered animations that launched in 2023, where typing phrases like ‘congratulations’ or ‘happy new year’ would activate colourful visuals.

Google hasn’t revealed a full list, encouraging users to uncover triggers naturally.

However, this update is part of Google’s push to keep Messages competitive with rivals like WhatsApp and iMessage.

Alongside emoji effects, the app has recently added better photo sharing, new security tools, and signs point to even more upgrades on the way.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.