After replacing “Library” with the “Collections” tab in August, the next notable change to Google Photos is an “Updates” feed instead of “Sharing.”

Previously, Google Photos had a sharing page that you accessed from a “People” icon between the “More” menu and your profile avatar. It all started with high-level shortcuts for “Create a Shared Album” and “Share with a Partner.” What followed was an “Albums and Memories” carousel. Finally, you had a list of “Conversations”.

You now get a notification bell icon in the app tray for “See recent sharing updates, including shared conversations and links.” This opens an “Updates” feed. The overflow menu allows you to access:

• Sharing activity: Shared connections, shared memories and conversations
• Conversations

It’s no surprise that Google downplays the Conversations messaging system, when a bell icon in the top bar is a common UI convention in Google apps, including Home, Play Store, and YouTube.

We’re seeing updates rolling out to Google Photos for Android, but not iOS.

Learn more about Google Photos: