Google (Really) Adds SMS for Gmail

By Geoff Duncan December 11, 2008

Google (Really) Adds SMS for Gmail

At the end of October, Google introduced a new Labs feature for its popular GMail Web-based email service that enabled users to send SMS text messages directly from Gmail. But the rollout didn’t go very smoothly: most users who tried to turn the feature on found it wouldn’t fully enable. Now, Google has re-introduced the feature for U.S. users: once the tools is enabled, users can type a text-capable U.S. phone number into the search box in Gmail’s chat window, then click “Send SMS.” Once a message has gone through, phone numbers are saved in Gmail’s contacts, so future messages can be send by name in the Chat field.

SMS message from GMail arrive from a number with a 406 area code, and SMS users will be able to reply to the SMS and have it routed back to the Gmail users’ chat window. SMS recipients can also reply with the word “block” to stop receiving text messages from a particular Gmail users, or send the word “stop” to block SMS message from Gmail altogether.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

How to use the Google Home app on a computer

Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home makes it easy to manage all your smart devices through your smartphone or tablet. Giving you access to your camera feeds, smart thermostat, smart lights, and more, Google Home is one of the most popular smart home platforms on the market. But while there's a lot to love about Google Home, it lacks full PC support. However, that's slowly starting to change – here's a look at how to use the Google Home app on your PC and control your devices from a larger display.
Can you use the Google Home app on a PC?
Google Home doesn't have a PC app, but it does have a website. Unfortunately, Google notes that Google Home for web is in Public Preview, meaning not all features are available and you may encounter glitches during use. The website is seeing constant updates, so there's a good chance it'll work just as well as the mobile apps in the future. Be sure to check it out regularly to see what's been added.

There are a few other workarounds you can implement to get Google Home on your PC. Read on to learn about the alternatives.
Use Google Home through your Chromebook

Smart Home

The best smart light switch for Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit

A person using a smart light switch.

They may not be as flashy as smart speakers or smart displays, but smart light switches bring just as much functionality to your home. These seemingly simple devices can be toggled on or off like a standard light switch, but they're often packed with other useful features -- such as support for voice assistants or the ability to customize their performance through a mobile app. That makes them incredibly useful and gives you plenty of ways to quickly manage lights throughout your smart home.

With so many smart light switches available in 2024, it can be challenging to figure out which ones are best for your needs. Some are budget-friendly but don’t offer premium features, while others are quite expensive yet allow for remarkable personalization. Whatever your needs, there's a smart light switch that'll work with your setup.

Smart Home

The most common Google Nest Mini problems and how to fix them

A coral Google Nest Mini mounted on a brick wall.

The Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen) is one of the best smart speakers of 2024. Despite its low price, the Nest Mini gives you full access to Google Assistant, provides surprisingly great audio for a device its size, and is compact enough to fit nearly anywhere in your home. Whether you want to listen to music, dish out commands to other smart devices, or check the news, the Nest Mini can do it all.

However, the Nest Mini isn't without its faults. Setting up and using the smart speaker is typically a straightforward, hassle-free experience. But like all electronics, some owners have noticed strange issues when performing simple tasks — such as connectivity problems or an unresponsive unit.