Google makes it possible to reply to messages or with reactions in the Google Messages app with just the emoji you want to use.
Google continues to improve the experience with its default Android messaging app Google Messages. After a failed #GetTheMessage campaign that highlighted Apple's lack of RCS support, Google Messages is now testing the ability to respond to a message with any emoji.
Previously, reactions were limited to just seven emojis. This news comes from 9to5Google after they previously confirmed the feature by enabling it in an earlier version.
Reply to messages with just the emoji you want
When tapping and holding an incoming message in the Google Messages app, you can respond with any emoji you want.
You can tap the emoji in the corner of the message and get a closer view of that emoji next to the name of the recipient who responded to it. If you view reactions from a group message, all the names and emojis they reacted with will appear in a pop-up window.
Currently, the feature is only available from the latest Google Messages Beta version. There are indications that the update will be rolled out in stages.