Google Messages for Android Rolling Out @Mentions

AI

📝 Key Points of This Article

• The “@mention” feature is expected to be implemented in “Google Messages,” the SMS / MMS / RCS messaging client app for Android.
• Similar to the “@mention” feature in “Google Chat,” this allows users to send messages to specific individuals in group chats by adding “@xxx.”
• It can also be utilized as a prompt for the Google AI “Gemini (Gemini in Messages)” using “@gemini.”

The “@mention” feature is reportedly being implemented in “Google Messages,” the SMS / MMS / RCS messaging client app for Android.

The “@mention” feature in “Google Messages” functions similarly to the “@mention” feature in “Google Chat.” For instance, if you want to send a message to a specific user within a group chat, adding “@xxx” will direct the message to that user. Since messages sent via “@mention” notify the target user, it is a convenient way to ensure a message reaches a specific person within a group chat.

Additionally, this “@mention” feature in “Google Messages” can be used as a prompt for the Google AI “Gemini (Gemini in Messages)” by typing “@gemini.” The addition of code related to these features was discovered within the internal code of the “Google Messages” app v20260126_00_RC00 update, which was released on Friday, January 30, 2026.

• “@mention”

<string name="compose_mentions_intro_title">Try @ to get their attention</string>
<string name="compose_mentions_intro_content">They’ll see @mentions even if their notifications are muted</string>
<string name="compose_mentions_editing_short_title">Everyone will see this name</string>
<string name="compose_mentions_editing_long_title">You can edit how others see this name by deleting words</string>
<string name="compose_mentions_dismiss_button_content_description">Hide explanation</string>

• “@gemini”

<string name="compose_mentions_gemini_title">Gemini</string>
<string name="compose_mentions_gemini_subtitle">Ask Gemini a question</string>

However, no Japanese code for these “@mention” and “@gemini” features in “Google Messages” has been found yet. Therefore, it is expected that the rollout will initially begin in regions such as the United States.

Google Messages App Link