Google adds shared Keep notes and custom themes to Messages
Google Keep integration and customizable chat themes now available.
1Shared notes with Google Keep
Google has integrated Keep notes directly into Messages. By tapping the '+' button during a conversation, users can now create a shared note that all participants can view and edit. This feature proves particularly useful for group chats, whether for creating grocery lists or planning vacations. Notes can be edited within the chat itself, preventing important information from getting lost in message floods.
2Personalized chat themes
Google Messages now offers custom backgrounds and color schemes for individual conversations. Users can choose from Google's curated collections like 'Animals', 'Landscapes', or 'Space', or upload their own gallery photos. For instance, a latte theme for coffee chats or beach photos for vacation groups. Chat bubbles automatically adapt colors to match the selected theme.
3Beyond simple color changes from 2024
The new theme features go far beyond the basic 'Change colors' option introduced in 2024. Now each conversation can have completely personalized appearances. However, these customizations only appear on the user's own device - that beach photo you set for a vacation chat won't show up on other participants' phones.
4Previously announced on Google Messages Community
Google had announced these new background and theme features days earlier in a Google Messages Community post. The September Android Drop is expected to make these features more widely available. The rollout to supported devices will be gradual.
5Standout features of September Android Drop
While Google's September Android Drop brings many new features, these two Messages innovations stand out. The Keep integration and advanced theme options aim to make Messages a more central platform for daily planning and communication.
6Information management in group chats
Important details getting lost in active group chats is a common problem. Google's Keep integration addresses this issue. Shared notes allow plans and lists to remain organized and easily accessible to all group members.
7Continuing the personalization trend
This update continues the growing trend of personalization in digital communication tools. Users now expect not just functionality but also visual customization options for self-expression. The theme options in Google Messages aim to meet this expectation.
8Enhancing Android user experience
This update is part of Google's strategy to strengthen integration between Android apps. The Keep notes integration demonstrates Google's efforts to provide seamless experiences across its products. Such integrations may encourage users to spend more time within the Google ecosystem.