Over the years, the Google Play Store has undergone many changes in terms of design and functionality. Among its recent updates are the ability to get ‘Verified’ badges for VPN apps and a new ‘Trending searches’ panel. News about Google working on a remade voice search UI for the Play Store comes from an APK teardown now.
A More Modern Voice Search UI
If you are using version 44.7.24 31 of the Play Store (reported by Android Authority), the app’s material suggests an updated voice search interface. Google’s new design seems to fit in with the company’s wider UI changes across its ecosystem, as it brings the visual language of voice search to the Google app and Pixel Launcher home screen search bar.
The Google app uses the whole screen for voice search, the Play Store’s new voice search will opt for a bottom-sheet interface. The change is welcomed for its more modern and visually engaging design, which draws on Google’s signature colourful waveform animation.
Features of the New Interface
- Unlike the current full-screen UI for Global Actions Titles, the new UI maintains a small size on the bottom of the screen.
- The animated waveform is seen in Google Assistant on the Play Store.
- Users would see their four most recent searches below the voice search prompt.
It is nothing groundbreaking but a slightly more polished and consistent experience across Google’s ecosystem.
Limited Availability – For Now
The new voice search UI is active only in the Search tab of the Play Store, while the Book tab still uses the old interface. This will probably change once Google starts rolling out the update more widely.
There has been no official announcement from Google regarding when it should appear. As the interface had to be activated manually in the APK teardown, it is uncertain if this feature will ever be available to the public.
With Google’s focus on other large Play Store initiatives like better app suggestions and AI updates, this voice search upgrade may not be a big concern. It will be one hell of a refreshing breath of fresh air and will be much needed for a long-forgotten feature.
Would a revamped voice search in the Play Store be useful? Let us know your thoughts!
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
