Google Messages begins to roll out a redesigned split-level text field with shortcuts،
In addition to the many new features coming soon to Google Messages in honor of RCS surpassing 1 billion monthly active users, the app is also preparing to unveil an update to its text field, introducing a shortcut bar dedicated and a left-aligned layout.
Google Messages text field before redesign | Credit: Telephone Arena
Google Messages text field after redesign | Credit: 9to5Google
The voice recorder function is also no longer relegated to the background, as it now has its own button, perhaps in preparation for its integration with the Moods function announced last week. The new two-tiered interface, with the text field at the top and the shortcut bar below, may seem jarring at first, but I think it will be beneficial as more features are added and more space may be needed for additional shortcuts.
Some early adopters of the Google Messages beta program are already seeing this transformation of text fields, although wider availability is still to come. However, as Google actively rolls out the update along with other noteworthy features announced earlier this week, it's safe to say that Google is putting its weight behind making Google Messages a highly competitive messaging app and isn't afraid to deploy these changes more widely.