Google Messages for Android is being tested with a new homepage that pins chat avatars, drops the search bar to the bottom, and tucks a Gemini shortcut into the corner. The three core tweaks aim to make the most‑used …

The change was reported by 9to5Google, which noted the redesign also ships with a fresh app icon.[^1][^2][^3][^4] No rollout date was given; the experiment is limited to a subset of users who have opted into the test …

Opening the app under the test shows a grid of recent conversations, each topped by a circular avatar that stays visible as you scroll.[^1][^3][^4][^6][^7] In the current stable version, avatars appear only when you t…

Below the conversation grid sits a search field that used to sit at the top of the screen. Moving it to the bottom mirrors the placement of the new Gemini button, a small AI‑assistant icon that sits in the lower‑right…