Get ready for a fresh take on the Google Phone app! A small change, a big impact. Google has given its Phone app a subtle yet significant makeover by adopting the Material 3 Expressive design language. But here's the twist: it's all about the bottom bar!
The app, which already embraced M3 Expressive last year, has now shrunk its bottom navigation bar, creating a sleek and consistent look across Google's ecosystem. With the latest stable version 204, you'll notice the reduced padding and the pill-shaped tab indicator, giving the app a more modern feel.
This change is most noticeable in dark mode, although the actual space saved is minimal. It's a move towards uniformity, following similar updates to Google Home and other apps. However, not all Google apps are on board yet; Google Photos, Fi, and Voice are still playing catch-up.
While we're on the topic of updates, Google Phone still hasn't reintroduced the 'Keep portrait mode' setting for users, and Expressive Calling remains in its beta phase.
So, what does this mean for the average user? It's a subtle enhancement, but it contributes to a more cohesive and visually appealing experience across Google's suite of apps.
And this is the part most people miss: Material 3 Expressive isn't just about aesthetics. It's a design language that aims to enhance user experience and accessibility. Google Meet, Gmail, Gboard, and Google Drive have all embraced this language, each bringing their own unique improvements.
So, what do you think? Is this a welcome change, or is it just a minor detail that most won't notice? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Further Reading:
- Google Meet for Android gets more Material 3 Expressive
- Gmail widget updated with Material 3 Expressive tweaks
- Gboard shortcuts get an M3 Expressive redesign
- Google Drive completes its Material 3 Expressive redesign
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