Google TV app on Android getting a redesign: What's new
What's the story
Google TV is revamping the top section of its Android application, moving away from a full-width search bar.
The previous design featured a broad search bar with "Google TV" branding in the center, accompanied by a voice input shortcut and account switcher/menu.
In the "For you" tab, artwork was rounded at the top corners. This design was particularly noticeable on devices like Pixel Fold with larger screens.
Design shift
New design enhances visual appeal
The new design replaces the broad search bar with a simple magnifying glass icon, located next to your profile avatar.
The "Google TV" branding now appears in the top-left corner, while artwork extends up to the very top.
This change enhances the visual appeal of the app on larger screens and creates a more immersive user experience.
Search upgrade
Enhanced in-app search functionality
The updated design also introduces an "Explore genres" grid when users initiate a search.
This feature offers categories such as Action, Animated, Comedy, and more. Each category leads to a dedicated page with various carousels, a functionality not present in the previous design.
This enhancement will provide more streamlined navigation options within the app.
Trend alignment
Aligning with industry trend
The redesign of Google TV's app aligns with a growing trend among first-party apps to eliminate full-width search bars. Prominent examples include Google Messages and the Play Store.
Critics argue that a magnifying glass icon is more than sufficient and occupies less space, while proponents contend that a search bar provides a large touch target that is hard to miss.
Deployment phase
Rollout status of Google TV's redesign
The search redesign for Google TV is currently being rolled out server-side and is not yet widely available.
It has been observed on some devices running version 4.39.2486.x of the app.
This phased deployment approach ensures that any potential issues can be identified and addressed before the update reaches all users globally, thereby ensuring a smooth transition to the new design.