Google Discover gets three-column UI ahead of Pixel Tablet [U]

Abner Li | Apr 11 2023 - 9:50 am PT

Google has been optimizing its first-party apps with large-screen optimizations since I/O 2022, and that’s expected to culminate with the Pixel Tablet. The latest update is a three-column UI for Google Discover on tablets.

Update 4/11: After disappearing earlier this year, the three-column UI is back in version 14.14 (beta) of the Google app with some tweaks. To the left of the homescreen, stories are no longer housed in individual cards with everything placed on a sheet. Matching the phone design, it allows for more background color.

The Discover tab in the Google app takes the same visual approach, while it recently regained a navigation rail that is now located higher up rather than being centered.

Original 1/14: We’ve already shown how Google is updating Assistant and Discover for the Pixel Tablet. The latter change is already rolling out to existing tablets, including Samsung’s Tab S8 with Google app 14.2.7.26 (current beta).

Instead of just two columns of articles, Google Discover now has a third that makes the feed go edge-to-edge. The fullscreen effect is particularly prominent to the left of your homescreen with a black background, while the Google logo and your profile avatar are moved to the top corners.

Meanwhile, the navigation rail in the Google app looks much better without the empty space. We’re still waiting for that side element to switch to the Material You style.

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As part of this three-column change, Google now places all articles in cards with faint outlines, while cover images get smaller. The width is identical, but the height differs from row to row. This is also the case in portrait orientation, though you stick to two columns.

On the Pixel Tablet, Google is expected to add rows of media suggestions that are “From your apps,” like Google TV, as part of a leanback experience and a color background.