Google working on simplified Assistant settings in Android-like revamp [Gallery]

Over the past several betas, the Google app has been working on a revamp of Assistant settings. This much-needed redesign comes amid a growing list of features and third-party integrations. Our latest look at the preferences reveals something quite similar to Android’s system settings.

About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” post, we’ve decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we’re able to see various lines of code within that hint at possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We’ll try to enable those that are closer to being finished, however, to show you how they’ll look in the case that they do ship. With that in mind, read on.

When we last enabled this revamp in early February, Google Assistant settings was just a list that showed Google moving away from grouping everything under four tabs. The design with Google app 11.0 is much further along and very reminiscent of Android’s system Settings app.

It starts with a full-width bar that even has the same “Search Settings” prompt as on Pixel devices. Search, which is not currently available today in the app, makes it easier to find options directly instead of browsing.

The similarity continues with suggestion prompts presented as cards at the top of the list. We encountered one to “add nicknames for your important places to get traffic in seconds.”

Next up is your profile image, name, and email address with shortcuts to “Manage your Google Account” and “Your data in the Assistant.” The list itself links to existing menus that have been reordered, though that’s still in development.

To make settings less daunting, Google is only showing a few items before letting users “View more.” This includes Routines, Music, Basic info, Languages, and Voice Match. New additions are “You” to “manage your information and personal preferences,” as well as “Devices.” The latter is a simple list grouped by Home, Personal, and Auto.

Other items below the cut include the upcoming “Hey Google” sensitivity, Ambient Mode (on select, non-Pixel Android devices), Assignable reminders, and Assistant voice. The rest of the list is arranged alphabetically.

How to update?

You can sign up for the Google app’s beta program here or by heading to the Play Store listing on Android and scrolling to the bottom. The latest beta version of the Google app is immediately rolled out when it’s available.

Dylan Roussel contributed to this article.