Google Phone App Continues UI Redesign Efforts for Incoming Calls: A Swipe-Based Future?

Google seems determined to revamp the incoming call interface on its Phone app, used by millions across Pixel devices and other Android smartphones. A new user interface (UI) has emerged from the depths of the latest app update, suggesting that the company is far from settled with the current design.

For those unfamiliar, the present Google Phone app, commonly found on Pixel phones, as well as devices from manufacturers like OnePlus and Motorola, features an animated element where users swipe upward to answer an incoming call and downward to decline it. While this system functions adequately, it has been criticized for lacking intuitive clarity. The accompanying text provides guidance, and users typically adapt after a couple of uses. Nevertheless, Google is clearly exploring alternative options.

Android Authority recently unearthed a hidden redesign within the latest Google Phone app update (v166.0.735169223). This new UI shifts away from the vertical swipe and introduces a horizontal, swipe-based gesture. The user can drag a centered phone icon left or right to reject or accept a call, respectively.

This isn’t a publicly available feature, mind you. Android Authority manually activated it to showcase its functionality. The fate of this new design remains uncertain. It’s unclear whether Google intends a widespread rollout or even a limited user test. Google has a history of experimenting with UI changes that never see the light of day, at least in a broad sense.

This latest discovery builds on a pattern of iterative redesigns. Back in late 2023, Google experimented with a different approach, adopting distinct "Answer" and "Decline" buttons reminiscent of the incoming call interfaces found on Samsung devices and Apple’s iOS. This design, offering clear, actionable buttons, ultimately didn’t make it to general release.

Furthermore, Google notably introduced a redesigned call UI as recently as February of this year, signaling an ongoing focus on improving the user experience during incoming calls. This continual experimentation underscores the significance Google places on the seemingly simple act of answering or declining a phone call. The design they settle on can impact user satisfaction significantly.

The question now becomes: what are the potential advantages of this new swipe-based UI? And, perhaps more importantly, will it address the criticisms leveled at the existing system?

One potential benefit is increased screen real estate. The current upward/downward swipe requires dedicated space at the bottom of the screen for the animated element. A horizontal swipe, on the other hand, could potentially occupy a smaller vertical footprint, freeing up space for other information or visual elements.

The centered phone icon, acting as the focal point for the gesture, could also offer a more intuitive experience. By physically moving the icon towards the desired action (accept or decline), users might find it easier to understand the intended outcome.

However, swipe-based gestures also come with their own set of challenges. Accidental swipes could become a source of frustration, leading to unintended call answering or declination. Google will need to fine-tune the sensitivity of the gesture to minimize these occurrences. They may also need to consider providing haptic feedback as confirmation.

Another consideration is accessibility. The UI needs to be easily usable by people with disabilities. Can the UI be navigated easily using assistive technologies like screen readers? Are there alternative control methods available for those who may have difficulty performing swipe gestures? These are crucial questions that Google must address before any widespread rollout.

The similarity to common dating app interfaces, where swiping left or right indicates rejection or acceptance, is also something to consider. While many users are familiar with this gesture, the context is drastically different. Will users instinctively associate the swipe gesture with answering or declining a phone call, or will there be a learning curve involved?

Ultimately, the success of this new UI will depend on Google’s ability to strike a balance between intuitive design, accessibility, and the prevention of accidental actions. Thorough user testing and feedback will be essential in shaping the final product.

The fact that Google is continuously iterating on the incoming call UI demonstrates a commitment to improving the user experience, but also highlights the inherent difficulty in designing a seemingly simple interaction. The current design is functional, but Google believes they can improve.

Google’s willingness to experiment with different UI approaches, from distinct buttons to swipe gestures, suggests they are not afraid to depart from convention and explore novel ways to enhance the user experience. Whether this new swipe-based UI represents the future of answering phone calls on Android remains to be seen. However, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Google’s ongoing efforts to refine and optimize even the most basic interactions on our smartphones. It shows they care about things that seem simple at first glance.

As we await further developments, the Android community eagerly anticipates Google’s next move in this UI saga. The fate of this new design hangs in the balance. Will it be embraced as a user-friendly improvement, or will it join the ranks of previous redesigns that never saw the light of day?

What do you think about a potential change to how you answer phone calls on the Google Phone app? Do you prefer the current swipe-up/down system, the proposed left/right swipe, or the earlier button-based design? Let your voice be heard in the comments below. Your opinion counts as Google continues to develop and refine its user interface.