Google updates messages with a new send button and rollout ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones for Pixel devices
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Messages gets a redesigned send button with a bolder look.
- New ‘Sound Matters’ ringtones and alarms, inspired by African wildlife, are now available on Pixel devices.
- These updates aim to enhance user experience and well-being through thoughtful design and soundscapes.
Google has made a small yet noticeable update to its Messages app for Android. The send button within conversations has been redesigned to be more prominent. Previously, the paper airplane icon was displayed against a light or dark background, depending on the theme. Now, the roles have been reversed—the icon appears in a light or dark color, while the background is themed using Dynamic Color or one of the eight preset Custom Bubble themes. As usual, the RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE) lock icon or Gemini sparkle remains visible in the corner of the button.
This new design is currently available in the Google Messages beta channel (version 20240813_00_RC00) and seems to be widely accessible. This update follows Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience, including recent work on a new read receipt system.
In addition to this update, Google has also introduced a new collection of ringtones and alarm sounds called “Sound Matters,” initially launched with the Pixel 9 series. These sounds are now rolling out to earlier Pixel devices. The “Sound Matters” collection features a variety of bird songs recorded in the wild areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe during the rainy season of late 2023. Google collaborated with an award-winning wildlife sound recordist to capture these sounds, emphasizing their significance in reflecting a healthy ecosystem.
The collection includes six ringtones and alarm sounds, such as “Limpopo Savannah at Dawn” and “Zimbabwe Savannah at Dawn,” as well as four notification sounds like “Meyer’s Parrot at Dawn” and “Crested Francolin at Dawn.” To access these, Pixel users can navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration.
For those who want more, Google has also released a 1-hour recording of the “Sound Matters Dawn Chorus” collection, which will be available in the Fitbit app. Research indicates that the sounds of birds can positively impact mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and improving mood.
The latest version (3.1, build 642123347) of Google’s Sounds app is rolling out now via the Play Store for Pixel 4 and later models, following the introduction of the “Gems” collection last year.