Android Police reported that Google's RCS messaging system, realised through the Messages application, is getting a new feature that will place it more in line with Apple's iMessage service: message reaction emojis.

When Google launched RCS messaging for Android systems, it was designed to be an Apple iMessage competitor; however, since the service began rolling out last year, there have been noticeable differences between the Messages and iMessages app.

Most notably, the Google iteration lacks the bells and whistles that Apple offers. Evidently, though, Google is taking steps to close this gap: this week, Android Police outlined that the company has expanded a test for emoji-based message reactions reminiscent of the identical Apple feature.

The latest beta version of the Messages app appears to enable emoji reactions for everyone who downloads it. To try the feature out, users can just long press on a message they want to react to which will prompt a small menu of react emoji options.

Facebook and Twitter, too, have a similar feature within their respective direct messaging services. Though Google is a bit tardy to the party, they're getting Messages up to speed little by little.

 - AFP Relaxnews