Google Messages Gets a Fresh Look with Text Field Redesign and New Shortcuts Bar

Overview Google Messages is rolling out a redesign of the compose text field, featuring a dedicated shortcuts bar. The update has now widely rolled out to the stable channel (version 20240116_01_RC04). This new design aligns the text field to the left and includes an emoji button up first, followed by Magic Compose, gallery, and the plus button. The voice recorder, which is being revamped with Moods, is now a separate button.

User Experience

The new UI introduces a slightly more complex interface with a split into two lines: the text field at the top and a bar for shortcuts. Some users in the beta program have reported issues, such as the voice recording button not working, which can affect other buttons like emoji and adding pictures.

Other Features

• Photomoji and Magic Compose are now out of beta.
• Animated emoji is widely available.
• Custom Bubbles, Voice Moods with a redesigned recorder, and Profiles are not yet widely available.

Timeline

• December 2023: The new message field began seeing wider availability in the beta program.
• January 2024: The redesign started rolling out to non-beta users.