Text messages are among the most utilitarian communication formats . Senders get a small window to type a abbreviated note or load image – and it ’s designed to be viewed and answered promptly .
Apple takes a sight of that humdrum aside with iMessages , its proprietary messaging service for talking to other masses with Apple devices . There are a ton of nerveless features we all habituate every day — animoji , tapbacks , links , typing prompts — but I recently find a new one that had completely passed me by . Hidden behind the modest arrown ext to your subject matter is is feature call “ Send with outcome , ” and it ’s one of the coolest thing I ’ve ever seen .
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While we ’ve seen the automatonlike balloon that appear when you type “ Happy birthday ! ” to someone , you could accompany any iMessage with balloon , lasers , confetti , and other risible optical elements . Special effects iMessages , which debut way back in iOS 10 and are available as one of four confab bubble personal effects or animations that momentarily take over the whole screen . There are 12 options in all .
For example , to rig up the balloon , initiate type a text and then push and hold on the blue angel send arrow . That will spread the “ Send with burden ” screen where you ’ll see the usable effect . For balloon , chooseScreenat the top of the screen and swipe allow for until you see balloon on the screen . Tap the send arrow and it ’ll be on its way .
The other useable full - screen effects are echo ( which fill up the screen with floating messages ) , public eye , confetti , hearts , lasers , fireworks , and celebration , which fills the blind with golden sparks . you could essay the effect by swiping through the available alternative and watching the spiritedness cringle . ship with Echo is particularly sweet if you use just an emoji or two as a text message , as you’re able to see below .
particular upshot vitality are also available for message bubbles , though the essence are ready and more subtle . When you press and hold on the send arrow you see a erect row of dots represent the bubble choice of Slam , Loud , Gentle , and Invisible Ink . Slam comes across like a text - based fastball . trashy begin with a minuscule house of cards that gradually get bigger before settling down to normal size . The school text inside the aristocratic bubble starts out tiny and bit by bit farm to normal size . unseeable ink looks like a series of tiny scrambled dot that gradually tack together into your trust text when tap .
To do this on the Mac , type your message in the Messages app , and then click and hold the App Store icon next to the text entry field of force . A pop music - up will appear and you may select Message Effects . ( chapeau tip to Macworld referee Becky ! )
Just remember , this is an iMessage affair . While Apple still rent you select an effect when sending a regular text message , the user on the other end wo n’t see the effect , it ’ll just say [ Sent with Balloom issue ] .
Today I get word is a Macworld editorial that spotlights lesser - known but utile summit and trick for Apple users . If you have any idea for future column , send an e-mail to michael_simon@idg.com .
