GOOGLE MESSAGES UNVEILS NEW TEXT FIELD REDESIGN WITH CONVENIENT SHORTCUTS BAR

Google Messages is introducing a redesigned compose text field with a dedicated shortcuts bar. Over the past few days, this redesign has been widely rolled out to the stable channel, marked as version 20240116_01_RC04. In an update on 27 Jan, there were reports that the new RCS (Rich Communication Services) and text message field is starting to appear for users which do not enrol in the Google Messages beta program. Unlike some previously announced features in late November, Google did not provide detailed information about this particular change. Some features, such as Photo moji and Magic Compose, have already exited beta and are available widely. However, capabilities like Custom Bubbles, Voice Moods with a redesigned recorder and Profiles are not yet widely accessible. Users can expect these updates to enhance their messaging experience on the Google Messages platform. The redesigned RCS and Text message field is starting to appear for those not enrolled in the Google Messages beta. Compared to the other features announced in late November, Google never detailed this change. At the start of this month, Photo moji and Magic Compose exited beta. (Animated emoji is also widely available.)

As of 14 Dec, 2023, the new message field is seeing wider availability for those in the beta program. Despite the standalone button, the redesigned voice recorder with Voice Moods is not yet rolled out for most users. The same applies to features like Custom Bubbles and Profiles. Historically, the RCS/Text message field occupied the right two-thirds of the screen, expanding to conceal the “plus,” gallery, and Magic Compose buttons as the user enters more text. At the other end, users have access to emoji and voice memo shortcuts. The ongoing updates aim to provide users with a more enhanced and versatile messaging experience within the Google Messages app.

Google Messages is undergoing a notable redesign, shifting to a left-aligned text field where the emoji button takes the lead. Following the emoji button, users now have access to Magic Compose, a gallery with a new icon and the plus button, which has now moved to the opposite end. The voice recorder, undergoing a thorough revamp with Voice Moods, now has its dedicated button outside the message input pill. After Google Messages switching, You get Magic Compose, gallery (which has a new icon), and the plus, which is now on the opposite end. The voice recorder, which is getting thoroughly revamped with Moods, is now its own separate button outside the pill. Meanwhile, when you start typing, there’s a new UI that’s split into two lines. The text field is at the top, while a bar keeps all the shortcuts on the same strip. This makes for a slightly more complex/heavy interface that might take some time to adjust to.

Some users in the Google Messages beta are already seeing this text field redesign with the dedicated bar, but it is not yet widely rolled out, which is also the case with the other functionality Google announced earlier this week. Some users have pointed out that it’s somewhat peculiar for the text field to align to the left while the messages sent still appear on the right. Additionally, when users start typing, a new user interface (UI) emerges, split into two lines. The text field now stays at the top, while a bar keeps all the shortcuts on the same strip. This introduces a slightly more complex and denser interface which might require some time for users to adapt to the changes.

As of now, only some users in the Google Messages beta program are experiencing the text field redesign with the dedicated bar. It has not been widely rolled out, and this is consistent with the status of other functionalities Google has announced earlier in the week. The staggered rollout allows Google to test these changes with a smaller audience before making them available to a broader user base. Users can anticipate these updates to reach a wider audience once Google ensures a smooth and reliable experience based on feedback from beta users