9to5Google: Messages Reportedly Testing Pinned Avatars, Floating Search
9to5Google reports Google Messages testing pinned avatars, floating search and a corner Gemini button in beta.
TL;DR
- 9to5Google reports large pinned contact photos above the chat list.
- According to 9to5Google, search turns into a centered floating button that animates on scroll.
- Gemini moves from FAB to a small top-right icon next to the profile, per 9to5Google.
9to5Google reports that Google Messages for Android is testing a homepage redesign with three main changes.
According to 9to5Google, pinned chats now sit higher with large contact photos above the rest of the list. This uses space currently taken by the logo and account menu and drops any last-message preview, like iMessage on iOS.
9to5Google reports that search becomes a centered floating action button next to the new-chat button. On scroll it turns into a pill labeled “Search” while the other button shrinks. 9to5Google says the animation feels lively and helps one-handed use.
The Gemini button shifts from a floating action button to a small icon in the top-right corner beside the profile picture, according to 9to5Google. 9to5Google notes this matches Google Workspace apps.
According to 9to5Google, the tweaks are only in the beta channel so far. Some testers see the full set while others get pieces at a time.
The Tea
Google is quietly copying the iMessage pinned look while tucking Gemini into a corner. If the redesign sticks, Android’s default messaging app could feel a bit more like Apple’s, but with extra floating buttons to juggle. Worth watching once it reaches more users.