‘Why Google?’ cry Android users as feature used to remember friends’ birthdays is scrapped

ANDROID owners are shaking their fists at Google once again, after the tech company removed a beloved feature.

The ever-helpful Nudges feature in Google Messages reminded users to reply to texts and their contacts' birthdays.

The feature, which rolled out in late 2021, was an early example of Google using artificial intelligence (AI) in its messages app.

It's a must-have for those of us who are forgetful when it comes to birthdays.

Why remove birthday reminders, [it] seems like a good logical reminder to have!

Android owner

But Google is understood to be retiring the feature with little explanation, according to 9to5Google, which has sparked upset among users.

"Why Google.. I loved the birthday nudges," one Android owner on X (formerly Twitter).

Another : "Why remove birthday reminders, [it] seems like a good logical reminder to have!"

The feature reportedly no longer appears in the latest beta version of Google Messages.

This means it is likely to disappear once this beta version turns into an official stable update.

While Nudges looks set to disappear for good, Google has kept Smart Reply, Suggested Actions, Magic Compose and Suggestion Stickers features.

It's unclear whether Google will offer a replacement for Nudges.

If it does, it is expected to announce it at the highly anticipated Google I/O 2024 event happening later this month.