Google Messages introduces new privacy controls for profile discovery
Google Messages, the main platform for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging on Android, continues to expand its features. As more companies move away from their messaging apps in favor of Google Messages, the app must adapt to meet the expectations of its growing user base.
A notable update is the introduction of Profile Discovery, which allows users to manage how their profile is shown to others. Google first introduced this feature in November 2023, and though it hasn’t been fully rolled out, there are signs that Google is addressing privacy concerns related to profile visibility.
What’s New in Profile Discovery?
Profile Discovery in Google Messages lets users control how others see their information. Users can choose between showing either their full name or a short version of it. They can also decide whether to display their profile picture.
In the beta version of Google Messages (v20241010), new privacy settings offer more detailed controls. Users will have the following options for managing their profile visibility:
- People You Message: This setting allows anyone you communicate with to see your name and profile picture. It acts similarly to making your profile “Public,” meaning people can find you through your phone number when using the Profile Discovery feature.
- Only Your Contacts: With this option, your profile details, including your name and picture, will only be visible to those saved in your phone’s contact list.
- No One: If you select this option, no one will be able to see your name or profile picture.
These privacy choices will likely be shown to users the first time they log into Google Messages after the update. Afterward, users can access these settings by going to the “Your Profile” section within the account switcher.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
One uncertainty remains—whether the “No One” option will fully disable the Profile Discovery feature. However, these new privacy settings should resolve many concerns about unwanted visibility. Previously, people feared that their names and profile pictures were too easily accessible to others, including those who might search for them randomly by number.
While these new options provide greater control over who can see your information, there is still no way to set a different profile name or picture exclusively for Google Messages. The app uses the name and profile picture from your main Google account, such as your Gmail photo.
Gradual Rollout and What’s Next
It’s worth noting that the Profile Discovery feature hasn’t been released to all Google Messages users yet. Even though it has been almost a year since it was first announced, Google seems to be focused on addressing these privacy issues before pushing it out to everyone. While there’s no official timeline for when this feature will be available to all users, the ongoing developments indicate Google is taking privacy concerns seriously as it prepares for a broader rollout.
This privacy-focused update in Google Messages marks an important step in enhancing user control, ensuring that the app evolves to meet the needs of its expanding user base without compromising security or privacy.
Google’s upcoming Android 16 update is bringing better security and some helpful improvements, especially for Pixel phone users. One of the main features in Android 16 is a new way to protect your phone’s data when it’s connected to a computer through USB. Right now, when you plug your phone into a PC or laptop, it can access all your data as long as you approve it.
With Android 16, Google is adding an extra security layer that only allows limited access unless you enter your PIN, password, or use your fingerprint. This will help protect your files if someone tries to access your phone without permission.
At the same time, Google is also working on a fix for a frustrating issue that some Pixel users have been facing for months — delayed notifications. After the April 2024 update, many users noticed that app alerts were not showing up on time, especially from messaging apps. Google has confirmed the problem and says a fix will be included in a future update, though it’s not in the current April patch yet.
Together, these changes show that Google is focusing on both stronger privacy and a smoother experience for Android and Pixel users. Android 16 is expected to roll out later this year, starting with developer previews.
Google is bringing several updates across its apps to make them more useful and easier to use. Google Translate is working on a new feature called “Practice.” It helps users improve their language skills by offering short exercises, like matching words or filling in blanks. Right now, it looks like it will focus on Spanish, but other languages may come later. This tool could be great for people who want to go beyond just translating words and learn the language.
Google Assistant’s Driving Mode in Google Maps is starting to shut down. Many users are noticing that the card-style dashboard is disappearing, and the Assistant voice command shortcut no longer works. Google hasn’t officially said why, but it seems they’re moving away from this feature, possibly to focus on other tools or experiences in Maps.
Google TV’s Freeplay app is now back with a fresh look. It gives users free access to over 100 live TV channels. The redesign makes it easier to browse channels and see what’s playing. The new layout also highlights what’s currently on, making it faster to start watching without having to dig through menus.
Lastly, Google Chrome is testing a new built-in PDF viewer. This upgraded tool makes reading and editing PDFs easier right inside the browser. It includes better zoom controls, a cleaner layout, and a page list view that lets users jump to specific pages more quickly. These updates show Google’s push to improve how we learn, drive, watch TV, and browse the web.
Google has shared the latest Android version usage numbers, showing that Android 15 is still in the early stages of adoption. As of April 2025, only 0.1% of Android devices are using Android 15. This version is currently in its beta phase, mostly available on Pixel and select partner phones. Android 14 leads the way with a 35.2% share, followed by Android 13 at 17.3% and Android 12 at 15.4%. Android 11 still holds 12.4%, showing how long older versions stick around.
Meanwhile, Google is also making changes in its AI efforts. The Gemini AI “prompt bar,” first seen in the Chrome browser, is now being tested in Google Search. This new feature lets users type or click suggestions to ask questions directly using Gemini, making search more interactive. It’s rolling out to more people gradually.
In addition to that, Google introduced Veo, a powerful video generation tool for creators. Veo can make high-quality videos from simple text prompts, using advanced AI to understand scenes, emotions, and cinematic styles. Google is currently letting select creators try Veo through a waitlist.
Together, these updates show how Google is improving both its Android platform and AI services. While Android 15 adoption is just beginning, features like the Gemini prompt bar and Veo highlight the company’s growing focus on AI to enhance user experiences across devices and tools.
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