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Google Messages Tests Redesigned Pinned Chats and Search
Confirmed
In Short: Google Messages is testing a redesign that elevates pinned chats and improves search functionality.
Google Messages is testing a new design that significantly elevates pinned chats above all other conversations, according to 9To5Google.
The redesign includes a new homepage layout where large contact photos appear above all chats, pushing the list of other conversations down the page.
In addition to the new layout, Google Messages is also testing a redesigned search feature.
The search feature now includes a circular magnifying glass icon and a 'Start chat' button, which changes to 'Search' when scrolling down the page.
The new design aims to enhance user experience by making it easier to access frequently used chats and search for messages.
Google is also planning to introduce custom chat themes and selective text copying, though recent bugs have somewhat diminished the excitement over these features.
DoorDash has announced a new text-to-order AI agent that allows users to place orders through Apple Messages, demonstrating the growing integration of messaging apps with other services.
Ilhan Omar's home was raided after federal investigators obtained a warrant based on family text messages found on her sister's phone.
The content of the text messages and the warrant have not been made public, but they were used to secure a federal judge's approval for the raid.
Users are advised to transfer their Gmail messages to a secondary account to avoid losing access to their emails.
What this adds
The redesign of Google Messages aims to improve user experience and accessibility, but recent bugs have somewhat diminished the excitement over the new features.
Ilhan Omar's raid highlights the potential legal implications of text messages and the importance of privacy in digital communications.
Background
Google Messages is a text messaging software application developed by Google for its Android and Wear OS mobile operating systems. It is also available as a web app.
What's confirmed
- Google Messages is testing a new design that significantly elevates pinned chats above all other conversations, according to 9To5Google.
- The redesign includes a new homepage layout where large contact photos appear above all chats, pushing the list of other conversations down the page.
- In addition to the new layout, Google Messages is also testing a redesigned search feature.
- The search feature now includes a circular magnifying glass icon and a 'Start chat' button, which changes to 'Search' when scrolling down the page.
- The new design aims to enhance user experience by making it easier to access frequently used chats and search for messages.
- Google is also planning to introduce custom chat themes and selective text copying, though recent bugs have somewhat diminished the excitement over these features.
- DoorDash has announced a new text-to-order AI agent that allows users to place orders through Apple Messages, demonstrating the growing integration of messaging apps with other services.
- Ilhan Omar's home was raided after federal investigators obtained a warrant based on family text messages found on her sister's phone.
- The content of the text messages and the warrant have not been made public, but they were used to secure a federal judge's approval for the raid.
- Users are advised to transfer their Gmail messages to a secondary account to avoid losing access to their emails.
What's still developing
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- Original article, August 31, 2026 (07:00 AM ET): Google Messages is getting some welcome attention with custom chat themes and selective text copying finally becoming available, but the app’s recent run of bugs is taking some shine off those additions.
- A user starts a new conversation, only for Messages to insert a message from a completely different chat, sometimes from months or even years ago.
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