Google Messages continues to innovate with a user-friendly update that enhances interaction convenience. Users can now enlarge contact profile photos directly from the main list by tapping on them. This feature, rolled out widely after beta testing, provides a clearer view similar to Google Contacts’ avatars.
Expanding a contact’s photo also offers three quick shortcuts:
- Message: Opens the conversation thread instantly.
- Call: Directly dials the contact’s number.
- Info: Displays detailed contact information without opening the full conversation.
While group chats support photo expansion, the “Call” shortcut is excluded. Long-pressing outside the expanded photo in group chats allows access to options like Pin, Archive, Delete, Block, and Mark as read/unread.
This update, aimed at improving user experience, simplifies interaction within Google Messages. It complements recent UI enhancements and the expanded Gemini feature, demonstrating Google’s commitment to evolving its messaging platform for Android users.