Google Messages has introduced a major redesign of its photo and video sharing interface, combining a live camera viewfinder with the gallery for a more integrated experience. This update also includes the much-anticipated feature to send pictures and videos in “Original quality,” ensuring users can share high-resolution content without any compromise.
This change marks a significant shift in how Google Messages handles media sharing, aiming to streamline the process while providing users with better control over photo and video quality.
Redesigned UI – A Fullscreen Experience
Currently, tapping the Gallery icon in Google Messages reveals a compact interface with a small live camera viewfinder, quick access to “Folders,” and previews of four recent images.
The redesigned UI takes this further by launching a fullscreen interface when you tap the Gallery button. The camera viewfinder now occupies most of the screen, offering an intuitive switch between “Photo” and “Video” modes. Users can apply face filters directly within this interface.
Beneath the camera, an always-visible gallery displays the three most recent images. For users needing more options, a quick swipe reveals a full grid of photos, while a “Folders” button leads to the system photo picker for broader access to media files.
This overhaul enhances functionality but replaces the existing compact picker with a fullscreen approach that may feel cumbersome for some users. Despite this, merging the live camera viewfinder with the gallery creates a unified experience that’s both visually engaging and practical.
Preview Screen – Adding Flexibility
After selecting or taking a photo, Google Messages takes you to a new preview screen. This interface allows users to:
- See the selected image or video in detail.
- Add captions to the media before sending.
- Confirm the recipient, shown at the top of the screen.
Notably, the gallery remains accessible at the bottom, enabling users to easily switch their selection without exiting the preview screen.
Media Quality Options – Optimize or Share in HD+
A significant addition is the ability to choose between media quality settings from the preview screen:
- Optimize for Chat: This option prioritizes faster sending and reduced data usage, ideal for quick, casual sharing.
- Original Quality: With this option, media is sent at full resolution, marked with an “HD+” icon.
This enhancement replaces the older “Send photos faster” toggle found in the app’s settings, offering more control directly within the sharing interface.
Impact of the Redesign
While the fullscreen UI offers a modern and polished look, some users may find it less convenient compared to the compact image picker. The decision to merge the camera and gallery functions aligns with Google’s vision of creating a seamless, all-in-one experience for media sharing.
For those who prioritize high-quality media sharing, the addition of “Original quality” sending is a game-changer, making Google Messages more competitive with other messaging platforms. This feature will appeal to users who value the ability to send sharp, detailed photos and videos without compression.
What’s Next for Google Messages?
This redesign reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance its messaging app and compete with rivals like WhatsApp and iMessage. The new camera and gallery integration, combined with quality options, highlights Google’s focus on creating a richer multimedia messaging experience.
As this update rolls out, it’s expected to receive mixed reactions due to its trade-offs between functionality and convenience. However, the ability to send photos in their original quality is likely to be a widely appreciated feature, especially among users who frequently share high-resolution content.
Conclusion
The revamped Google Messages interface, with its fullscreen gallery and live camera integration, introduces a bold new way to handle media sharing. While it may take time for users to adapt, the added flexibility and high-resolution sharing options are undeniable upgrades.
Google continues to refine its platform, aiming to deliver a messaging experience that is both intuitive and feature-rich. For users looking to share memories in stunning detail, the new “Original quality” setting is a step in the right direction.
