Google is rolling out a significant redesign and modernization of voice search on Android.
Voice search can be accessed from the homescreen widget (including the Pixel Launcher) or any Google Search bar inside the app. Your query is handled by Google Search with a standard results page opening, while the answer is spoken aloud. The interface with a four-dot waveform is several years old.
This redesign starts with a centered ‘G’ gradient flanked by a back button and three-dot overflow menu that takes you to Voice settings. You can set Languages, enable/disable Spoken results, and choose a voice: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, or Cassini. The dark theme has also been updated.
Old vs. new
The prompt notes that Google is “Listening…” with the same face illustration as before. At the bottom, you’ll find a four-color arc that is straight out of AI Mode and Search Live, while your query is transcribed above it.
There is a larger “Search a song” button that takes you to a song search UI that invites you to “Play, Sing, Hum.” This replaces the previous globe animation. In the top-right corner, you’ll find a shortcut to Song Search history.
We’re seeing this begin to roll out with version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android. It’s not yet widely available. Hopefully, Google will next upgrade the text search interface.
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