What you should know
- Google Chat is introducing a new bottom navigation bar for Android and iOS apps, providing quick access to Home, Direct Messages, Spaces, and Mentions views.
- The Home view acts as a hub for all conversations, with a filter for unread messages. The Direct Messages view provides an overview of one-on-one and group conversations, with pinned conversations at the top. The Spaces view displays a list of all spaces, with pinned conversations at the front. The Mentions view acts as a notification center, highlighting all messages where the user has been mentioned.
- The new bottom navigation bar will automatically appear on Android and iOS devices for both admins and end users, with a gradual rollout taking up to 15 days. It will be available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.
- These updates follow the expansion of the app’s message bubbles to iOS, aiming to simplify navigation and enhance user productivity within the app.
Full Story
Google Chat is stepping up its game. A new bottom navigation bar is on its way to Android and iOS apps. The goal? To make it simpler for users to access key features and stay organized while they’re on the move.
This new navigation bar isn’t just for show. It offers quick access to Home, Direct Messages, Spaces, and Mentions views. In short, it’s all about streamlining the user experience.
Let’s break down these new views, shall we? Starting with the Home view, it’s the central hub for all conversations. It’s designed to keep users in the loop with important threads without breaking a sweat. There’s even a dedicated filter for unread messages. That way, no critical info slips through the cracks.
Next up, the Direct Messages view. It’s a neat overview of all one-on-one and group conversations. Pinned conversations? They’re right at the top for easy access.
The Spaces view isn’t much different. It displays a condensed list of all spaces. And yes, pinned conversations are at the front here too.
Now, the Mentions view. Think of it as your personal notification center. It highlights all messages from conversations and spaces where you’ve been mentioned. It’s all about keeping you in the loop and ready to respond or join in on the chatter.
The new bottom navigation bar won’t be a hassle to get. It’ll automatically appear on Android and iOS devices for both admins and end users. No manual intervention needed. The rollout will be gradual, though. It could take up to 15 days for all users to get the update.
Who gets this new bottom navigation bar? All Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. The rollout starts today for Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains on Android and iOS devices.
This update follows the expansion of the app’s message bubbles to iOS yesterday. It’s all about providing a more cohesive messaging experience across all platforms. With the new bottom navigation bar, it’s clear Google is all about simplifying navigation and boosting user productivity within the app.
