To enhance user experience and functionality, Google Messages is rolling out a new contact details page, offering a touch of Material You design. This in-app feature is gradually becoming available to beta users, introducing a revamped interface for managing contacts seamlessly within the messaging platform.

Google Messages Introduces Revamped Contact Details Page for Enhanced User Experience

As of February 28, this update is expanding its reach among beta users, providing convenient access to shared photos, videos, and links directly within a conversation. Users can access this revamped contact page by tapping the contact photo/name in the app bar or via the conversation's overflow menu. However, the stable release for all users is yet to be launched.

The new contact page introduces a centered profile picture, name, and contact number at the top, accompanied by circular shortcuts for making phone or Meet calls, opening Google Contacts, and conducting a search.

The innovative "Images" card showcases an animated Material 3 carousel, offering a dynamic viewing experience with images expanding and shrinking as they are scrolled. Additionally, users can explore "Videos, links, & more" and access "Starred" messages directly from this page.

To elevate the user experience further, Google Messages aims to provide a comprehensive and visually appealing contact management system. Nevertheless, widespread availability for stable users is still pending.

Gemini AI Boost for Select Android Phones Announced by Google Messages

During MWC 2024, Google unveiled various new features for Android users, including integrating Gemini AI within the Google Messages app. This much-anticipated feature is set to enter beta, allowing select Android devices to seamlessly engage in conversations with the AI chatbot Gemini.

The Gemini AI integration within Google Messages eliminates the need for a separate app, making it convenient for users to chat with the AI alongside regular contacts directly within the messaging app. Gemini assists users with various tasks, such as drafting messages and brainstorming ideas, contributing to increased productivity.

The beta rollout, commencing this week, is available for English-language messages and French in Canada. To access the beta, users must be part of the Google Messages testing program, be 18 or over, possess a personal Google Account, and have RCS chats enabled.

Gemini is based on Gemini 1.0 Pro, offering a versatile range of tasks and providing concise responses tailored for mobile use. Users can even add images to conversations with Gemini to seek information about specific objects.

Beyond Google Messages, Android Auto received an AI update, introducing features such as text summaries, context-based reply suggestions, and actions for increased driving safety. Additionally, accessibility features for visually impaired users saw improvements in Lookout and Maps, leveraging generative AI to enhance object identification and image descriptions.

Notably, Google Docs also received a non-AI-related update, allowing Android and tablet users to add handwritten annotations to documents. This feature, coupled with a change making it easier to switch output devices on Spotify, showcases Google's commitment to enhancing productivity and user convenience across its diverse range of applications.