The “Google Messages” application is witnessing a new modification in its design, specifically in the writing box. This change comes as part of a series of updates through which Google seeks to add new features, which may create some complexity in the basic messaging application.

What’s going on in “Google Messages”?

Every two weeks or so, we see a new feature being tested or a change in the user interface of the “Google Messages” application. A recent report indicates that Google is preparing to replace the traditional options menu with a contextual menu that appears when a message is selected. This change may seem simple and inconsequential, but it is part of a much larger picture, which is the “gradual evolution of features” that transforms “Google Messages” from a simple messaging application to a comprehensive and complex communications hub.

Latest updates to the “Google Messages” app

It’s not about just one feature, but a combination of small additions that make the app seem feature-laden. We have witnessed the following:

• New user profiles: A feature that allows you to set a profile picture and name separate from your Google account or your phone’s contact list.
• Photomoji: The ability to create custom emojis from your photos.
• Screen effects: Full-screen animated effects.
• Custom bubbles: The ability to customize the color of bubbles and backgrounds of individual conversations.
• Reaction effects: The ability to react to a message with a thumbs-up emoji, with animated hands appearing around the message.
• Animated emoji: Emoji… animated.
• Sound effects: Adds a personal touch to voice messages by incorporating nine different emotions.
• Integrating AI with the Gemini app: Building an integrated AI-powered chatbot directly into the app, which also powers “Magic Compose” suggestions.

Ironically, the new user interface for this context menu is an attempt to fix the clutter caused by all these new features. (Al-Youm Al-Sabea)