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Google Messages revives contact customization and YouTube Music refreshes design for a modern experience

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Google

Google is enhancing its Messages and YouTube Music apps with new updates that offer more control and design improvements across Android and iOS platforms.

Google Messages Brings Back Customizable Contacts

Google Messages recently introduced a “Profile Discovery” feature, letting users show their profile photo and name when added by phone number. However, this feature automatically displays the Google account photo of the user instead of the image they might prefer, which many found limiting. Fortunately, Google seems to be addressing this with a new update.

In the recent Google Messages beta (version messages.android_20241018_01_RC00.phone_samsung_openbeta_dynamic), there’s an option to choose between a contact’s Google profile photo and a custom image saved locally on your device. By tapping on a contact’s profile picture, users can now easily swipe to switch between their Google profile photo and a custom picture. If a change is needed, the “Manage in the Contacts app” button allows users to update these images directly. This update brings much-needed flexibility, especially for contacts who don’t have a Google profile image, making the conversation list more personalized.

In addition to photo customization, Google is expected to improve privacy controls within Messages. Users might soon have more detailed options for deciding who can view their profile name and picture, adding an extra layer of customization and control over their visibility.

YouTube Music Overhauls Menus and User Interface

Meanwhile, YouTube Music is also getting a design refresh. The update brings a new floating panel style for the three-dot menu, which replaces the previous, full-width design with a floating menu that has rounded corners, similar to the main YouTube app. This subtle redesign makes the app feel cleaner and more modern, though it’s especially noticeable against YouTube Music’s darker backgrounds.

The updated design applies to all three-dot menus in YouTube Music, except for the share menu on Android, which is still in the previous style (already updated on iOS). The version 7.24 update for Android and iOS introduces these changes, with no shifts in the layout or organization of the overflow menus. This redesign enhances the app’s overall aesthetic and aligns with Google’s recent updates, such as the predictive back navigation feature.

Additionally, the “Now Playing” screen recently dropped the multi-colored glow on the “Connect to [Cast device]” button, opting for a clean black-and-white look, which minimizes distractions and brings more focus to the album art.

Main YouTube App Updates Influence YouTube Music

Earlier this month, YouTube announced several design upgrades for its main app, such as an updated bottom bar with new icons and a frosted glass effect. While it’s unclear if these specific changes will appear in YouTube Music, they hint at future design improvements. A simple icon tweak, like the Home feed button, could translate to YouTube Music, though the frosted bottom bar might require further interface updates, particularly with the mini-player. Additionally, the YouTube Music web app was one of the first to introduce the pink/magenta progress bar, which could signal more consistent design choices across platforms.

In sum, Google’s updates to both Google Messages and YouTube Music show the company’s focus on improving user experience through enhanced personalization and thoughtful design tweaks. These updates give users more control over their interactions and create a streamlined experience across Google’s ecosystem.

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Google

Google Meet gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

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Google Meet

Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.

With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.

Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.

These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.

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Android

Easy ways to change Android Auto’s look with light and dark themes

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Android Auto

Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.

How to switch between light and dark themes

Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.

To change the theme, follow these steps:

  • Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
  • Go to the settings menu.
  • Find the “Theme” option.
  • Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).

Why themes matter

Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.

In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.

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Google Drive and Files by Google get fresh updates for easier use

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Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.

First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.

Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.

Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!

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