Google Messages update is fixing an issue every other messaging app has

Google has been on an update spree with Google Messages lately, and it’s now fixing a problem virtually every other messaging app seems to have. Thanks to a new update, parsing through years of messages will be a much better experience.

Google is redesigning the Google Messages search

Google has started rolling out a new search interface in the beta version of the Google Messages app, according to an Android Authority report. The update appears to arrive through a gradual server-side rollout, as it's not widely available yet.

The new design changes how the built-in filters are displayed in the app’s search. Instead of the grid of filters, you now get a more visual experience, showing images, videos, and even links that are shared in different conversations. Each section has a preview for several items and a an arrow that allows you to explore more content of the same type.

The old and the update search interface of Google Messages. | Images by Android Authority

Following an overall trend across apps, the search bar has also moved from the top to the bottom of the screen, making it easier to use with one hand. When you type a search query, you now get separate sections for matching chats and specific messages, as well as a shortcut to search within a specific conversation.

Searching in specific conversations in Google Messages is also made easier

Another improvement appears to be coming to the search option inside conversations. A Reddit on user has spotted a new search icon that appears directly in a conversation, giving easy access to the search. Until now, you had to go to the three-dot menu inside to search within a conversation.

These changes are only a small part of Google’s push to make Google Messages work and feel better. Only over the last few weeks, the company introduced a new icon for the app, as well as a cleaner design for the settings, and an upgrade to location sharing.

While some people online find reasons to complain about the app, many others are enjoying the interface of the app quite a lot. Things like the animated emojis, the pinned chats interface, and the various customization options seem to be fan favorites.

It’s the little things

I don’t use Google Messages, mostly because everyone I chat with uses other apps, but if I could, I would make more people switch to it. While it misses some features, it feels like Google is putting more effort into it than many of its competitors.

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