Google is testing a major homepage redesign for the Google Messages app on Android, featuring elevated pinned chats, a floating action button for search, and a repositioned Gemini shortcut.
The updates are currently rolling out in the beta channel.
Instead of pinned chats simply resting at the top of the standard list, Google Messages is trying a redesign that elevates them above all conversations, 9to5google.com reported. This layout uses the background layer that currently houses the logo, search, and account menu.
Large contact photos appear above all chats, which pushes the list of other conversations down the page. Like iHessage on iOS, this layout does not show any history or last sent information.
Google is testing a change where search becomes a centered floating action button alongside the new chat button. When users scroll down the page, search appears in a pill-shaped button with the other button minimized, while otherwise displaying a circular magnifying glass icon and Start chat. The accompanying animation boosts one-handed usability.
Google has also replaced the Gemini floating action button with a button in the top-right corner next to the profile image, matching the design used by Workspace apps on desktop and mobile.
These updates are currently in the beta channel and are not yet widely rolled out to all testers. Some users have received all aspects of the redesign, while Google appears to be rolling out the various components in a piecemeal fashion.
