Google Messages introduces a new contacts page in the app, featuring a touch of Material You design. Over the past few weeks, the new Google Messages Contacts page has started rolling out to more beta users. When it becomes available on your device, a prompt will appear explaining that you can tap to view photos, videos, and links shared in the conversation.
In addition to tapping the contact’s photo or name in the app bar, you can also access the new contact page from the conversation overflow menu by selecting Details. It is important to note that this feature has not yet been released to stable users.
Changes to Google Messages contact details
Before, tapping the photo and name at the top of a conversation opened a full Google Contacts record. With the recent update, this action now opens an in-app page generated by Google Messages.
You’ll find a centered profile picture, name and phone number at the top of the contact page in the app. Below that are circular shortcuts that let you make a phone or Google Meet call, open Google Contacts, and perform a search.
The Images tab is straightforward and allows you to access a complete network view. There’s also an animated Material 3 carousel you can explore, making Google Messages the first Google app to implement this new component.
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The carousel design in the Images card will provide a dynamic experience. The 10 newest images in the carousel expand and contract as they scroll, changing shape from rounded rectangles to squares and vertical pills. You can also explore Videos, Links & More and access starred messages from this section.
Google Messages media and links map
In addition to the Images card, there are sections for Videos, Links & More and Starred. These sections likely organize and display videos, links, and other types of media shared in the conversation, as well as messages that users have “Starred” for quick reference.
The final tab of the new Google Messages contacts page includes shortcuts and options related to message notifications, message type preferences (SMS and MMS), blocking and reporting spam, checking end-to-end encryption status, and managing people in group chats. While this update is currently available to beta users, the rollout is still global and the profiles feature is also awaiting wider availability.
Google Messages Introduces New and Improved Contact Details Page