Google Messages is the go-to messaging app for Android users, evolving with new features to improve the user experience. The last beta it released (20250115_03_RC00) uses a revamped media viewer, allowing threaded replies for images and videos to make conversations more dynamic and tactile.
What is New in the Google Messages Media Viewer?
Google Messages’ current media viewer does not have much beyond saving and sharing images or videos. The latest beta introduces a fresh interface with several enhancements:
Threaded Replies for Media
If you are viewing the media viewer, a circular chat bubble icon appears in the bottom-left corner. If you tap this icon, you will see a thread view that organizes replies based on the selected image or video. It is especially useful in group chats when groups can talk very fast.
Emoji Reactions and Picker
The six standard emojis and a button to view more reactions are also shown alongside the chat bubble icon. But these emojis make it simple and expressive to respond to shared media.
Thread-Style View
In replies to an image or video, replies appear in a dedicated thread, from most recent to oldest. It preserves the context of discussions around shared media; it is easier to follow conversations.
How It Works
Android Authority has released a video showing people commenting on images and videos directly in a conversation with the app. The threaded view keeps discussions on topic and neatly yours replies.
A new threaded interface also appears without emoji reaction options while chatting with Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. Media can still be long-pressed to invoke the emoji reactions bar.
When will this update come out?
It is unknown when this feature will become available to the general public, as the updated media viewer was triggered manually in the beta release. The level of development indicates that Google is considering bringing this functionality to the stable version of Google Messages.
Why This Feature Matters
Threaded media replies could go a long way to enhance how users interact in group chats more generally and how users discuss shared images and videos! Bringing emoji reactions to the mix makes Google Maps message interface look more modern and expressive than other popular messaging apps.
Verdict: Google Messages is a step forward
The revamped media viewer would be a welcome addition to Google Messages, essentially allowing users to interact with and be organized in conversations more intuitively. Thread replies and emoji reactions could make the app even more versatile and user-friendly, whether sharing photos with friends or coordinating in a group chat.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
