Google Messages is enhancing the user experience by providing a more detailed overview of messages. The latest beta version of the app introduces an updated “View Details” feature, which offers various insights about messages. In the previous version, accessing “View Details” required long-pressing a message, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting the option. This would display basic information such as the messaging platform used (e.g., Rich Communication Service, Text Message, Multimedia Message), the sender and recipient phone numbers, and the date and time of the message.
However, the new UI for “View Details” elegantly showcases the content of the message, including any emoji reactions, in the top half of the screen. The update also significantly enhances the underlying contact information available. The bottom half displays profile pictures and display names if they are accessible. In group chats, users can easily identify who has received or read the message.
Furthermore, when reviewing a reply, the original message is included, allowing users to effortlessly catch up on missed context without needing to scroll through previous texts. A collapsible contact list is also part of the redesign, ensuring that the screen remains uncluttered, even in chats with many participants. This refreshing design for the “View Details” feature is available in the beta version of the Google Messages app (version messages.android_20250223_01_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic). To check the version of Google Messages on your device, navigate to the Settings, select Apps, and find Messages.
If you do not currently have Google Messages, you can download it from the Play Store for added functionality.