Google App on Android Gets a Makeover: "Activity" Tab Replaces "Saved" for Enhanced Organization
The Google app on Android is evolving, introducing a refreshed "Activity" tab that aims to streamline how users interact with their saved content, search history, and collections. This update, currently being tested in the beta version (16.10) of the app, represents a significant shift from the previous "Saved" tab, promising a more intuitive and organized experience. The change mirrors a design already implemented in the Google app for iOS, suggesting a unified approach across platforms.
The "Activity" tab takes its place at the end of the bottom navigation bar, effectively replacing the "Saved" tab. This reshuffling also sees the "Notifications" icon move upwards within the interface, contributing to a more balanced layout. Upon opening the "Activity" tab, users are presented with three distinct sections: "History," "Saved items," and "Collections," each designed to cater to specific aspects of user engagement with the Google ecosystem.
The "History" section is a notable addition, providing a quick and convenient overview of recent search activity. Instead of requiring users to delve into the search bar or navigate to the comprehensive "My Activity" page (accessible via the account menu), the "History" section showcases the four most recent searches and visited websites directly within the "Activity" tab. Each item is neatly presented in a card format, displaying essential information such as the day, date, and time of the activity, as well as the domain name and a recognizable favicon for easy identification.
The inclusion of an overflow menu (represented by three vertical dots) for each history item adds a layer of functionality. This menu provides quick access to options for "Save," "Share," and "Delete," allowing users to manage their search history efficiently. The "Save" option allows users to quickly save the content to their collections, while the "Share" option enables them to easily share the link with others. The "Delete" option provides a straightforward way to remove the item from their history, maintaining control over their data.
For users seeking a more comprehensive view of their search history, the "History" section includes a counter indicating the total number of items recorded. Tapping on this "[x] items" count opens a full "History" list, providing a chronological record of all past searches and website visits. This comprehensive view mirrors the functionality of the "My Activity" page, but offers a more readily accessible alternative within the Google app. The direct access to search history is a welcome improvement, saving users time and effort compared to previous methods.
The "Saved items" section represents an evolution of the previous "All saved items" view. However, instead of a traditional list format, the updated section presents saved content in a visually appealing carousel. This carousel displays a variety of saved items, including Google Maps listings, saved movies and TV shows, images, and websites. The carousel format allows for a quick and easy browsing experience, making it simple for users to scroll through their saved content and find what they are looking for. The visual presentation also makes the "Saved items" section more engaging and less overwhelming than a simple list.
The "Collections" section provides access to all user-created collections. This section remains relatively unchanged in terms of functionality, allowing users to browse and manage their saved content organized into different categories. Collections are a powerful tool for organizing saved items, enabling users to create custom categories based on their interests, projects, or any other criteria. This organizational structure is essential for managing a large number of saved items and ensuring that content remains easily accessible.
Overall, the introduction of the "Activity" tab represents a positive step forward for the Google app on Android. The "History" section offers a convenient and accessible way to view recent search activity, while the carousel format of the "Saved items" section provides a more engaging browsing experience. The "Collections" section continues to provide a valuable organizational tool. The unified design language across Android and iOS platforms also contributes to a more consistent user experience.
The potential benefits of the "Activity" tab extend beyond mere aesthetics. The improved organization and accessibility of saved content and search history can significantly enhance user productivity. By providing quick access to frequently used information and streamlining the process of managing saved items, the "Activity" tab empowers users to be more efficient in their online activities.
While the "Activity" tab is currently only available in the beta version of the Google app, the fact that it has already been implemented in the iOS app suggests that a wider rollout to stable versions is likely in the near future. As Google continues to refine and improve its apps, updates like the "Activity" tab demonstrate a commitment to providing users with a seamless and intuitive experience across all platforms. The "Activity" tab promises to be a valuable addition to the Google app, providing users with a more organized and accessible way to manage their online activity.
