Last month, Microsoft surprisingly released a major update for its Messaging app, revamping its look with Fluent Design. A couple of weeks later, the company started removing the new visual language from the app, yet again for reasons undisclosed.
Now, it seems that with the release of the latest Windows 10 build, the previously withdrawn design features are being incorporated back into the app, and on a much larger scale.
The latest update bumps Microsoft Messaging to version 3.37.28001.0. In comparison to the previous implementations of the Fluent Design system, the acrylic effect has now been added to all sections of the app. Similarly, the reveal and highlight effects have also been reintroduced, and can be better observed as you visit different parts of the app.
Notably, Microsoft last released a major update for this application back in 2016. Once again, it is unclear why the tech giant suddenly decided to make this move, although it is suspected that this unexpected change of heart for the app is connected to the long rumored Surface Phone. The supposedly upcoming device will possibly enable users to call and text each other. However, it should be kept in mind that in its current form, Messaging cannot be used to actually send text messages on PCs. This is why an aesthetic makeover does not necessarily point towards its possible inclusion in any future Microsoft projects.
For the app to be an actual addition to the Surface Phone, it would presumably have to be much more functional than it is in its present state. The updated Messaging app is currently only available for Insiders on the Fast ring. Bear in mind that Microsoft could possibly make more changes to the features currently present in the app before it is rolled out to general users in the coming months.
Source and image: Aggiornamenti Lumia