In addition to the new app icon, Google Messages is testing an overhaul of pinned chats and search on the home page.
Instead of pinned chats simply appearing at the top of the list, Google Messages is attempting a redesign that significantly elevates them above all conversations.
Current
This redesign takes advantage of the existing background layer which currently only houses the logo/wordmark, search, and account menu.
You’ll see large contact photos appear above all chats, which pushes the list of other chats to the bottom of the page. Like iMessage on iOS, this layout has the disadvantage of not showing history or information about recent sends.
Meanwhile, Google is testing another change in which search becomes a centered floating action button (FAB) next to a new chat. When you scroll down, you’ll see “Search” in a pill-shaped button, with the other button minimized.
Otherwise, you will see a circular magnifying glass icon and “Start Chat” in the pill. The animation that accompanies this change is pretty and feels alive.
Current
This is a nice change for one-handed use. It’s unclear if Google removes the Gemini FAB with this update.
These updates are currently in beta and have not yet been widely rolled out to testers.
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