Google Messages Introduces New Features for Media and Location Sharing

Google is currently developing a series of enhancements for its messaging application, Google Messages, aimed at improving user interaction with media files and location sharing. These updates, which are still in the testing phase, were revealed in a recent beta version of the app, identified as messages.android_20251121_00_RC01.phone.openbeta_dynamic.

Enhancements to Media Saving

One of the most notable changes involves the process of saving media files shared in conversations. At present, when users save a photo or video from a chat, they receive a brief notification confirming the action. The forthcoming update aims to enhance this notification by incorporating an 'Open' button that allows users to view the saved file immediately in another application. This feature is expected to streamline the user experience, allowing for quicker access to saved media without having to navigate away from the ongoing conversation.

Clarifying Location Sharing

Another significant change relates to the app's location-sharing functionality. Currently, when users wish to share their geographical position, they can do so by tapping a plus sign next to the text input field. The new update will clarify the nature of the location-sharing process, distinguishing between sending a one-time static location and the potential for ongoing live location sharing. The internal code for the app now references an 'enable_live_location_sharing_extension', suggesting that Google is considering the introduction of features akin to those found in other messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Google Maps.

While the terminology used—specifically the word 'live'—may imply continuous location updates, the intention seems to be to make it clear to users when they are only sharing their current position rather than an ongoing tracking service. This change could help alleviate confusion among users regarding the nature of their shared location data.

Enhanced Visibility for Gemini AI

Additionally, Google is making adjustments to the visibility of its artificial intelligence assistant, Gemini, within the Messages app. A floating action button (FAB) dedicated to Gemini is currently positioned above the 'Start Chat' button. The latest updates indicate that Google plans to enlarge this button to match the size of the primary chat button, thereby making the AI feature more prominent and accessible for users. This adjustment reflects Google’s intention to encourage greater interaction with its AI capabilities.

Conclusion

While these updates are not yet available to the general public, they represent Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its messaging application. As the app continues to evolve, users can expect a more streamlined experience when handling media files and sharing locations. These enhancements may not be revolutionary, but they reflect a commitment to improving user functionality and engagement within the Google Messages platform. Developers are likely to continue testing these features before a public rollout, with further updates anticipated in the near future.