Finding an old photo, website link or message in a long Google Messages conversation could soon take fewer steps. Google has started rolling out a redesigned search experience to some beta testers, giving the app a more visual way to browse content shared across chats.
The update is beginning to appear on devices running the Google Messages beta version. However, the rollout is not reaching everyone at once, suggesting Google is enabling the changes gradually through its servers.
The biggest change appears as soon as users open Search. The existing screen relies on filters for unread messages, starred conversations, images, videos and links. The new version replaces much of that layout with separate preview sections for shared photos, videos and links. Users can tap into each section to see more.
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Google has also moved the search field to the bottom of the screen. This makes it easier to reach while using a phone with one hand. Search results are getting a more useful layout, too. When someone enters a query, Google Messages separates matching conversations from individual messages. Users can then look through the results without repeatedly opening chats to find the right message.
Another addition is a search shortcut inside individual conversations. A magnifying glass icon is appearing for some testers, allowing them to search within a chat without navigating through the three-dot menu.
The changes are still limited to selected beta users. Google has not announced when the redesigned search interface will reach the stable version of Messages. The update follows several other interface experiments, including changes to the app's home screen and navigation buttons.
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For people who regularly search through months or years of conversations, the redesign could make a noticeable difference. Rather than digging through filters and individual chats, users will have more of their shared content in one place. Whether Google keeps every part of the current beta design remains to be seen.