Google Chat has undergone a major overhaul since it absorbed the much-loved Hangouts app. The service has all the conventional chat features, including groups and individual texting. One of the issues people using Google Chat have is the lack of message citations in replies. This generally wouldn't be considered a major omission, given that the app already offers in-line threads. It's always nice to have an extra option in a communication app, and Google is recognizing that with a new server-side update to the app that's rolling out now.
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The company announced the arrival of message citations in replies via the Workspace blog, providing a visual representation of how it works. This may not significantly change the way you use Chat, but it's still a welcome addition. Almost every other chat app on the market has this feature in some form—so we can't help but think that Google was a little late.
Google clarifies that the excerpt in a reply contains a link to the original message, which is standard behavior. There is no control that needs to be enabled for it to appear, and users should start seeing it appear starting in May.
All Google Chat users can find the message citation in the app once the rollout is complete. Google is making it available to everyone, including personal accounts, Workspace account holders, and legacy G Suite Business/Basic subscribers.
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This functionality improvement follows a major Material Design refresh last month, in addition to some minor additions that Google Chat has received over the past year. With Slack positioning itself as one of Chat's biggest competitors, Google has also implemented some minor features aimed at bringing it up to par with the rival communication app.
Information source: androidpolice.com
