Google Messages will let you add personality to voice recordings

Beta testers get the first look

If you are a Google Messages beta tester (version 20240501_RC00), you could be among the first to try out a new audio recorder interface and a feature called Voice Moods.

With the new user interface, all you gotta do is tap that microphone button at the bottom to start recording your voice. As you speak, you’ll see the waveform capturing your message right away, plus handy controls to pause, stop, or even attach your recording. And for those noisy places, there’s a handy on/off switch option, too.

With Voice Moods, you can add some personality by adding animated emoji backgrounds to your audio message card. Feeling silly? Send a laughing emoji! Having a bad day? Let your friends know with a crying emoji.

However, if you are not a fan of animations, you can turn them off in your settings and stick with classic static images.