If you use the Android Messages app as your main communication method, then you'll be excited to learn that Google appears to be cooking up a pretty big feature for you.
Google seems to be prepping a web version of Android Messages. A new app update to version 2.9 is now rolling out, and while there aren't any huge consumer-facing changes, the underlying code includes references to "Messages for web".
The code suggests that in order to use this feature, you'll visit a website on your computer and then scan a QR code. You'll then be able to send and receive messages on the web and the site will link with your phone for SMS, MMS, and RCS through your carrier.
It looks like you'll be able to pair your phone with multiple computers, see a list of all the computers your phone is paired to, and disconnect to any of them whenever you want. All of the major browsers are named in the code for this feature, which suggests that support will be wide.
Messages for web could be a huge feature for Android Messages. With it, you'll be able to respond to incoming texts without having to constantly pick up and put down your phone. Google already offers support for Allo on the web, but it's good to see the Google may be prepping a similar web interface for Android Messages for the people that prefer that messaging app.
Unfortunately, there's no word on when Messages for web might actually launch.
The code in this new version of Android Messages also hints that Google may offer to become the intermediary for RCS messaging features for customers that don't get it through their carrier. This would enable texting over Wi-Fi, read receipts, and more.
Additionally, Android Messages may be gaining support for purchases. It's unclear exactly what you could buy through the app, but I'm sure Google's got something in mind.
