Google Messages is introducing a new in-app contacts page, featuring a touch of Material You design. In the last couple of weeks, the new contact page in Google Messages has started to reach more beta users. When it becomes available on your device, a prompt will appear explaining that you can tap to view photos, videos, and links shared in the conversation.
In addition to tapping the contact photo or name in the app bar, you can also access the new contact page from a conversation’s overflow menu by selecting “Details.” It’s important to note that this feature has not been rolled out to stable users yet.
Changes to the Google Messages Contact Details 
Previously, tapping the photo and name at the top of a conversation would open a full Google Contacts entry. With the recent update, this action now opens an in-app page generated by Google Messages.
You will find a centered profile picture, name, and phone number at the top of the in-app contact page. Below this, there are circular shortcuts that allow you to place a phone or Google Meet call, open Google Contacts, and perform a search.
The “Images” card is straightforward, allowing you to access a full grid view. Additionally, there is an animated Material 3 carousel that you can explore, making Google Messages the first Google app to implement this new component.
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The design of the carousel in the “Images” card will provide a dynamic experience. The 10 most recent images in the carousel expand and shrink as they’re scrolled, changing their shapes from rounded rectangles to squares and vertical pills. Additionally, you can explore “Videos, links, & more” and access “Starred” messages from this section.
Media and Links Card in Google Messages 
In addition to the “Images” card, there are sections for “Videos, links & more” and “Starred.” These sections likely organize and display videos, links, and other types of media shared in the conversation, as well as messages that users have marked as “Starred” for quick reference.
The final card on the new Google Messages contacts page includes shortcuts and options related to messaging notifications, message type preferences (SMS & MMS), blocking and reporting spam, verifying end-to-end encryption status, and managing people in group conversations. While this update is currently available for beta users, the roll-out is note yet global, and the Profiles feature is also awaiting broader availability.
