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Google Chat gets a new mobile redesign with bottom navigation bar on Android and iOS

By Aiko Tanaka
1 min read
google chat 607ec5940f0c1
google chat 607ec5940f0c1
In this article (5)

Google Chat is rolling out a new bottom navigation bar to its Android and iOS apps, making it easier for users to access key features and stay organized on the go. The new navigation bar provides quick access to Home, Direct Messages, Spaces, and Mentions views, streamlining the overall user experience. Here’s how each of the new views work:

The Home view serves as a central hub for all conversations, allowing users to effortlessly stay up-to-date on important threads. A dedicated filter lets users focus on unread messages, ensuring they don’t miss critical information.

  • The Direct Messages view concisely overviews all one-on-one and group conversations, with pinned conversations conveniently placed at the top for easy access.
  • The Spaces view similarly displays a condensed list of all spaces, along with pinned conversations at the front.
  • The Mentions view acts as a personal notification center, highlighting all messages from conversations and spaces where the user has been mentioned. This feature ensures that users are always aware of relevant discussions and can quickly respond to inquiries or participate in ongoing conversations.
  • The new bottom navigation bar will automatically appear on Android and iOS devices for both admins and end users, eliminating the need for any manual intervention. The rollout will be gradual, taking up to 15 days for all users to receive the update.

    Additionally, the new bottom navigation bar is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. The gradual rollout will commence today for Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains on Android and iOS devices.

    These updates follow the expansion of the app’s message bubbles to iOS yesterday, which provide a more cohesive messaging experience across all platforms. Now, with the introduction of the new bottom navigation bar, we see how Google is focused on simplifying navigation and enhancing user productivity within the app as well.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which specific new features are included in the bottom navigation bar for Google Chat?

A.

The new navigation bar offers quick access to four key views: Home, Direct Messages, Spaces, and Mentions. These are designed to streamline the user experience and keep conversations organised.

Q.

How will the new bottom navigation bar be implemented for users?

A.

The new bottom navigation bar will appear automatically on Android and iOS devices for both admins and end users, requiring no manual intervention. The rollout will be gradual, taking up to 15 days for all users to receive the update.

Q.

Who will have access to this new navigation bar update for Google Chat?

A.

The new bottom navigation bar is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. The rollout commenced today for both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains.

Q.

What is the purpose of the new 'Mentions' view in Google Chat?

A.

The Mentions view acts as a personal notification centre, highlighting all messages from conversations and spaces where the user has been mentioned. This ensures users are aware of relevant discussions and can quickly respond.

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