A small bug with the latest beta version of Google Messages for Android removes the Magic Compose button for some users. This is not the first time this has happened.
There are two aspects to Magic Compose, with the first generating suggested replies based on the conversation and past few messages. The second is called “Magic Rewrite” and gives you alternatives. The different styles are Remix, Shakespeare, Chill, Lyrical, Excited, and Formal.
With beta version 20250119_01_RC00 of Google Messages, several users today are no longer seeing the Magic Compose button — message bubble with corner AI sparkle — in the text field.
Magic Rewrite can still be accessed from the ‘plus’ menu, while going to Settings > Suggestions > Magic Compose reveals an on/off toggle. As such, this is most likely a bug that will get addressed in short order.
Meanwhile, the redesigned Google Messages text field, which is not yet widely rolled out to stable, looks quite nice with just two buttons at the right. The best design Google has had is to place Magic Compose/Rewrite outside of the field as part of the Smart Replies row. Hopefully, the app will proceed with that look.
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Thanks Jim
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