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
-
0
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S4 is down to $498 on Amazon ($152 off)
-
10
Dual-SIM Galaxy S10 series pricing drops further on eBay — S10e ($520), S10 ($600), S10+ ($700)
-
19
[Update: Now down to $540 and $270] B&H drops the Huawei P30 and P30 Lite prices to $570 and $280, respectively
-
7
Amazon's Echo Wall Clock drops to $25, still can't do much
-
8
Google Nest Hub falls to a new low of $68 — nearly half off
-
0
Latest Poll
Loading ...Recent Reviews
-
15
The Anker Nebula Capsule II with Android TV is the new portable projector to beat
-
27
The Honor 20 Pro is a stripped down Huawei P30 Pro — in all the right ways
-
264
The OnePlus 7 Pro is the best smartphone you can buy right now
-
46
Wyze Sense is an incredible home security value
-
278
Review: The Pixel 3a and 3a XL make almost any phone under $500 look bad
-
15
Latest Roundups
-
6
12 best new Android games released this week including Durango: Wild Lands, Terraforming Mars, and Alt-Frequencies
-
6
16 best new Android games released this week including Magnibox, Hamsterdam, and Merge Empire
-
2
[Bonus Round] Hamsterdam, PLAYMOBIL Mars Mission, Onslot Car, pliq: Epic Clash Arcade Puzzle, Dungeon of Weirdos, and Fishing Paradiso
-
7
18 new and notable Android games from the last week including Grimvalor, Tesla vs Lovecraft, and Golf Blitz
-
8
15 new and notable (and 1 WTF) Android apps from the last two weeks including PHAROS AR, Playground: POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, and The Great C (4/20/19 - 5/4/19)
-
6
Recent Apps and Games
-
2
Snapchat rolls out three Snap Games in a bid to keep you off Instagram
-
12
Tor Browser gets first stable release on Android
-
7
New safety features coming to the Lyft app including 911 calling and mandatory feedback
-
29
Nintendo to pull Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing mobile games from Belgian market over loot boxes
-
23
Adobe Premiere Rush launches on Android for fast and easy video editing on the go
-
2
Blast from the Past
-
4
1 Year Ago Today
31 temporarily free and 41 on-sale apps and games to start off the week
-
23
2 Years Ago Today
Chrome now uses Android O's adaptive icons for home screen shortcuts
-
48
3 Years Ago Today
Android N Developer Preview 3 Allows Side By Side Chrome Windows In Multi-Window Mode
-
136
4 Years Ago Today
Google Updates Hangouts Chrome App With New Android-Inspired Interface
-
48
5 Years Ago Today
Google Search At Last Properly Handles Timer Queries With The Clock App
-
0
6 Years Ago Today
Amazon Local For Android Now Available In The United Kingdom
-
22
7 Years Ago Today
Sprint Kills 5GB/$29.99 Wi-Fi Hotspot Plan For Phones And Tablets, Replaces It With More Expensive 2GB/$19.99 And 6GB/$49.99 Plans
-
7
8 Years Ago Today
Thumb Keyboard, Hands Down The Best Tablet Optimized Keyboard, Receives Major Update To V4.0
-
0
9 Years Ago Today
Google Plans To Bring Search To Your TV
-
4
