Google Messages Changes The Nano Banana Remix Icon To Be Less Intrusive
Google has decided to refine the visual design of its popular AI image generation tool within the Android Messages app. The feature known as Remix allows users to modify images directly in their chat threads using the power of the company’s Nano Banana model. This tool became a viral sensation quickly after its release but also drew criticism for its overwhelming interface. Users initially found the bright and glowing banana emoji button to be a bit too distracting when they just wanted to read their texts. The tech giant has now rolled out an update to address these specific aesthetic concerns.
Alex Perry at Mashable reports that the latest beta version of the app includes significant changes to how the tool appears on your screen. The original design featured a large pill-shaped button with a prominent banana emoji that would overlay images in your conversation. This button has now been shrunk down to a much smaller size to make it less obtrusive. The playful banana emoji is completely gone in this new version of the interface. Google has replaced it with a generic image icon that features a simple AI sparkle to denote the generative capabilities.
The update also changes how the feature behaves when you view pictures in full-screen mode. Previously the Remix button would hover right on top of the image and block your view of the photo itself. The new design removes this button from the image overlay entirely to give you a clear look at your media. You can now find the controls tucked away in the bottom left corner next to other options. This shift aims to prioritize viewing the content while still keeping the editing tools accessible if you need them.
This change comes after feedback suggesting the original implementation was too aggressive in trying to get users to engage with the AI features. The Nano Banana model powers these creative tools and lets users do things like put funny hats on pets or completely reimagine a photo. While the technology is impressive, the user interface needed to be toned down to fit better within a standard messaging environment. The functionality remains exactly the same despite the visual cleanup. You can still long press on a photo to access the generative options just like before.
It is interesting to see how quickly companies are iterating on their AI integrations based on real world usage and complaints. Google seems committed to keeping the Remix feature available without letting it dominate the entire user experience of the Messages app. The update is currently visible in the beta version of the application and should roll out to everyone else soon. This move aligns with a broader trend of making AI tools feel like helpful utilities rather than flashy novelties.
We are curious to know if you preferred the original glowing banana icon or if you like this cleaner look better so please tell us your thoughts in the comments.
