Google is now testing a new feature for a very limited set of users. After launching the new icons feature and previewing other features, Google Messages is testing out new icons for the delivered and read indicators.
If you activate the RCS on Google Messages app, then you can receive the indicator when a message has been delivered and when it has been read. This feature is similar to other social media apps. As of now, Google makes use of the words “Delivered” and “Read” to indicate that a message has been delivered and has been read, respectively.
According to the 9To5Google post, Google will use checkmarks to indicate delivered and read messages. With the new design, users will see a single tick or checkmark placed inside a circle when the message is delivered. When the recipient receives the message, the read status is shown by a second icon that shows two checkmarks placed inside a circle, overlapping each other.
Google is trying to minimize the visual width of showing the information underneath the message. But, people who aren’t familiar with these indicators would have definitely preferred the current text version of indicators. Simply reading out “Delivered” or “Read” delivers the appropriate information clearly.
As of now, this feature is rolling out to a few people who have received this change. Google will roll out to all devices when the company is enabled via a server-side update. However, it is unclear if this feature will make its way to everyone or if Google wants to implement it.