Google Home's media control interface receives a revamp in Material Design 3 format
Google has rolled out a series of updates for its Google Home app, bringing a fresh new look to the media controller on Android devices. The latest update, Google Home 3.34, includes camera updates and bug fixes, while the 3.35 and 3.37 updates are referred to as a "Cast controller refresh" and a media controller redesign, respectively [1].
The media controller redesign aligns with Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, a visual and functional update that emphasizes rounded corners, thin outlines, and rearranged layouts for improved usability [2][3][4]. However, specific detailed changes for the Home media controller are not yet extensively documented.
The update is expected to bring a more modern, rounded interface with clearer visual grouping, refined button shapes with integrated icons, and possibly updated animations or gestures that improve media control responsiveness and clarity. Google’s Material 3 Expressive updates also focus on subtly drawing attention to important UI components, such as scalloped borders on contact photos and dynamic shapes on buttons for enhanced interactivity [2][3][4].
It's important to note that these updates are currently only available on the Public Preview program for Android users and not on iOS. The Cast controller refresh in Google Home 3.35 is also in the Public Preview for Android users [1]. Google has also mentioned that the reoccurring 'no video available' errors with Nest cameras should occur less frequently [1].
Additionally, Google is working on a fix for issues with light controls via voice commands [1]. The company is aiming to improve UI reliability and performance across its products.
In summary, the Google Home Android media controller’s Material 3 redesign likely includes visual updates consistent with Material 3 Expressive—rounded corners, refined outlines, better grouped elements, and accentuated key UI parts—though explicit feature changes remain unspecified in current information [1][2][4].
[1] 9to5Google.com [2] AndroidPolice.com [3] AndroidCentral.com [4] XDA-Developers.com
- The Google Home media controller's redesign, following the Material 3 Expressive design language, might lead to an enhancement in the user interface of smart-home devices connected to it, with rounder shapes, improved grouping, and accentuated key components.
- With the arrival of the Google Home updates, there might be a significant improvement in the functionality and aesthetics of various gadgets and technology, as these updates aim to boost UI reliability and performance across Google's products.
