Google's custom Nexus/Pixel dialer has added a few cool features over the years like local search and video call integration, but the interface hasn't changed in ages. Today, it looks like Google is testing a redesign that moves your tabs to the bottom. This isn't always a surefire way to improve app usability, but I think it works here.
Read MoreGoogle Phone v15 adds assisted dialing for international travelers, white nav bar, and possibly pre-call support for dual-SIM phones [APK Teardown]
An update to Google's Phone app began rolling out to users earlier today. Besides enabling the seamless video calling feature with Duo, which also works on v14, this update comes with a few additions of its own. The previously discussed Assisted Dialing feature for international travelers has been enabled and is ready to make life a little easier, and users on Android 8.1 will now see the white navigation bar that's been creeping into a few of Google's apps. If you're using a dual-SIM phone, you might also be getting the option to pick your SIM immediately before a call, though this might not be live yet.
Read MoreThe Google Phone app could be getting an in-call floating action bar
If there's one thing that's certain in life, it's that Google is always testing some sort of interesting UI change in one of its apps. Some of them end up on the scrapheap, but some of them end up being integral parts of the experience we all have when using our Android devices. The latest test to be discovered is a floating bubble UI in the Google Phone app.
Read MoreGoogle Duo 14 integrates with your phone's call history [APK Download]
Last month, it started to look like Duo would add its own calls to your phone's call history. While the app asked users for permission to manage the call history, it didn't actually work yet. As part of the Duo 14 app update, this feature is now operational.
Read MoreAndroid 7.1 feature spotlight: Phone app switches to Do Not Disturb while on a call, new call notification, and more
If you think Chrome's rapid updates are annoying, Google's Phone application might send you over the edge. The last 4.0 update came in August, then 5.1 was included with Pixel devices, then another 4.1 update for non-Android 7.0 users, and now we are at 6.0. So what warrants a major version bump? Not much.
Google Phone 5.1 actually added most of the UI changes you might notice (check out our post about it). The first noticeable change here is when receiving a call, the notification now has larger Answer and Decline buttons. This is also on the Phone 4.1 APK, but it is worth mentioning here.
Read MoreGoogle Phone 5.1 includes UI changes, swipe up to answer, and more [APK Download]
We're still tearing down all the applications from the Pixel system dump, and the included Google Phone 5.1 app is certainly worth talking about. Without further ado, let's dive in!
New call UI
The first major change is the brand new Call UI, which is now a translucent blue shade over your wallpaper. The new interface looks a bit like the iOS dialer, with large buttons and a circular Caller ID icon at the top.
Read More
Google Has Updated The Google Dialer To Block Sideloading On Non-Nexus Devices
As we reported yesterday, Google recently opened up the Google Dialer app to virtually all phones running Marshmallow. Great! Everyone was happy for a few hours, and then the other shoe dropped. It turns out this was not intentional on Google's part, and the Play Store listing no longer allows installing on non-Nexus phones. What's more, sideloading is blocked in the latest build.
Read More
PSA: The Google Dialer Works With Many Non-Nexus Phones Now [Update: Not Anymore]
The Google dialer is what ships on all Nexus phones, but OEMs usually create their own vastly different dialer app. Beginning with the v2.05 update, you can install Google's version on most other phones too. This update rolled out a few weeks ago, but it seems that people are still just noticing, so let's get this all out in the open.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
Call Blocking Is Now Automatically Disabled For 48 Hours After You Call An Emergency Number
Apparently if you call an emergency number from your Android device, you can't block calls for the next 48 hours.
We don't know why this is the case, though we imagine it may be to prevent you from blocking your local police department or other emergency personnel.
Read MoreGoogle Phone Versions 2.05 And 3.0 Introduce A Missed Call Indicator [APK Download]
The default dialer app that comes with the latest Android N Developer Preview has a small but significant change.
When you fire up the Google Phone app, an indicator now appears alongside the middle tab showing how many calls you've missed.
Read MoreLatest Deals
-
3
Buy a Pixel 3 for $500 at Best Buy, get a Nest Hub for free
-
2
13 temporarily free and 31 on-sale apps and games for Wednesday
-
0
Midweek deals: Save on Nest Secure, Philips Hue, and more
-
5
Aukey’s tiny 18W USB-C wall charger is only $11 ($9 off) with this coupon
-
7
Get this 256GB USB-C drive for $45 ($12 off) on Amazon's Deal of the Day
-
3
Latest Poll
Loading ...Recent Reviews
-
21
The ZTE Axon 10 Pro snatches defeat from the jaws of victory
-
26
This cheap, rugged Chinese smartphone survived Burning Man
-
17
The Motorola One Action gives the Moto G a run for its money
-
46
The Nest Hub Max is the best smart display, but not the best security camera
-
7
Form AR goggles review: The coolest and most accurate swimming tracker
-
21
Latest Roundups
-
23
Use these apps to keep that beach bod through the winter — or get one for next summer
-
0
18 best new Android games released this week including This Is the Police 2, Slender Man Dark Forest, and inbento
-
2
17 new and notable (and 1 WTF) Android apps from the last two weeks including Automatic Dark Theme for Android 10, Vivaldi Browser Beta, and Disney+ (8/31/19 - 9/14/19)
-
191
The best web browsers for Android
-
7
24 best new Android games released this week including NBA 2K20, Tropico, and Fist of the North Star
-
23
Recent Apps and Games
-
7
Downwell returns to Play Store, free for a week starting September 20
-
148
[Update: Free Plus for desktop app buyers] Pocket Casts goes freemium, sells PC app and extra features for $10 a year
-
9
[Update: Now available] SimpleRockets 2 is coming to Android, and you can pre-register right now
-
14
Family Link lets parent set up per-app time limits and add bonus time before bed
-
8
Chrome Canary tests 'Top sites' recommendations on new tab page
-
7
Blast from the Past
-
76
1 Year Ago Today
Images of Google's Chromebook tablet 'Nocturne' may have just leaked
-
104
2 Years Ago Today
OnePlus releases new OP3/OP3T Open Beta, complete with awful new boot animation
-
1006
3 Years Ago Today
Non-blurry photos of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL leak
-
294
4 Years Ago Today
Huawei's Nexus Phone Will Be The First Nexus Device To Offer Up To 128GB Of Storage
-
105
5 Years Ago Today
[APK Teardown] Google Play Services 6.1 Contains Proximity Unlock, Device-2-Device Account Transfer, New Authorization Techniques, And So Much More
-
32
6 Years Ago Today
The Moto X Developer Edition For Verizon Is Out Of Stock, GSM Version And DROID MAXX Developer Edition Marked As "Coming Soon" [Update]
-
65
7 Years Ago Today
[Update: It's Back] PSA: It's Not Just You - Google Now Servers Are Currently Down
-
5
8 Years Ago Today
[Deal Alert] Unlocked Samsung Galaxy SII At Mobile Daily Steals For $499 (That's About $100 Off)
-
3
9 Years Ago Today
New HTC Fast Boot Technology Already Present On Desire Z/HD Offers 5 Second Boot Times. Smarts, Trickery, Or Both?
-
76
