Providing users with the latest and most advanced features is one of the key strengths of Google apps and services. Having removed the top search bar in the Messages app for Android, Google has now added a camera icon or shortcut to the app bar. The new feature is currently available to a few users and may be available to a wider audience soon.

It seems that the camera shortcut will serve to increase media usage in messages. This allows users to quickly take a photo and attach it to a message. The feature’s workflow even lets you take a snapshot first and then prompts you to “Select to Speak” in the UI.

We expect more features in the bar area in the future. This feature appears to be enabled via a server-side switch, but be sure to update Google’s Messages app by heading to the Play Store. Also, don’t forget to update your Play System.

Google is rolling out new features to the Google Messages app, including Google Account integration for the web, a complete home screen overhaul, and animated emoji support for web clients. In addition to smartphone and web client updates, Google Messages has also added voice reminder support to Wear OS. Google is bringing Wear OS support to more of its services and apps. The company has launched official Gmail and Google Calendar apps for Wear OS smartwatches.