Google Messages is probably the chat app that Google has taken most seriously out of all its failed attempts in the past. RCS and SMS messenger continue to receive updates with important security features and quality of life improvements. The latest improvement is the ability to double-tap to send a thumbs-up reaction, now available in the beta version of Messages.
Google Messages expands reaction feature
Some Messages users can react with the default reaction by double-tapping a text, rather than holding down a message and then selecting an emoji to react with. Once you add a reaction, double-tap again and the emoji is removed from the message. The change is rolling out in current beta versions of Google Messages and was spotted by AssembleDebug on X.
The quick response option puts Google Messages on par with some of its competitors and even helps it surpass others. Although WhatsApp does not support such a feature, Telegram has been offering the same shortcut for a while.