Google Messages is introducing a significant update to its contact photo customization feature, allowing users to choose between Google account photos and custom images for their contacts. This change comes as a response to user feedback following the implementation of the Profile Discovery feature in late 2023.
The Profile Discovery feature, which initially forced all contacts to display their Google account photos, had previously removed users’ ability to set custom images for their contacts. The new update, currently available in Google Messages beta (version messages.android_20241018_01\_RC00), restores this functionality while maintaining the benefits of profile sharing.
According to the updated support documentation, users can now switch between profile images by simply tapping on a contact’s profile picture and swiping left or right. Additionally, a “Manage in the Contacts app” option provides an alternative method for image customization through the Contacts application.
This development is part of Google’s broader initiative to enhance user control over profile visibility in its messaging platform. The company has implemented a “Your profile” feature that offers three distinct visibility options for sharing names and profile pictures:
• People you message
• Only your contacts
• No one
The reintroduction of contact customization addresses a key user concern while preserving the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging features that Google has been actively promoting. The feature is particularly useful for contacts without Google account photos, as users can now assign custom images to these profiles.
The update maintains privacy considerations, ensuring that profile information isn’t made publicly visible and doesn’t affect phone number visibility across other Google applications. This balanced approach allows users to maintain personal preferences in their contact list while still benefiting from the modern messaging features that RCS provides.
As the feature is currently in beta testing, a wider rollout is expected once the functionality has been thoroughly refined. This update represents Google’s commitment to user customization while maintaining the enhanced messaging capabilities that have been central to its recent platform developments.
For more on how Google is enhancing user experiences across its platforms, you can read about Google’s Cloud Gains with AI, which discusses the company’s advancements and competition in the AI-driven cloud market.
