Demo video shows off some updated Google Material Design changes

July 24, 2018

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Demo video shows off some updated Google Material Design changes 2

Google has been slowly but surely making some changes to their Material Design specifications and guidelines for several months now. Unofficially dubbed Material Design 2, the updates are the first major ones since 2014 when Google initially launched Material Design. Besides bringing a fresh look to interfaces, the overhaul appears to be focused on improving usability and bringing greater consistency to Google apps whether they are being used on a mobile device or a desktop computer. Unfortunately, a video that revealed several new changes has been removed from public view, but not before several sources were able to take a look at what is changing.

As with many of the recent updates to Google apps, the video showed Google's continued movement to using some softer, rounded corners for different elements of the user interface. Especially on mobile devices, Google is following along with the current trend of moving app navigation buttons to the bottom of the screen. Those buttons will also use a new icon system that leans heavily on icons that are outlines with blank interiors. A new, colorful FAB that is no longer rooted to the bottom corner of the screen also shows up.

Google has also continued to refine their own Google Sans font used for their default interface. Some of those refinements included efforts to make sure the font works with different languages, in different sizes, and with different symbols.

Some details for specific apps were also shown in the video, including:

Gmail – getting an overhaul to appear similar to the current web interface and it appears photos and files will show up in-line with the list of emails as they do on the desktop;
Google Photos – like the overall revamp, nav buttons are moved to the bottom bar, a side rail is added as well as a FAB. Those who saw the video also note dates are a bit more prominent to help break up the photos;
Google Drive – gets a new main feed on mobile that incorporates a carousel for some information like comments. Google is also making it a little easier to access starred or shared content.

Demo video shows off some updated Google Material Design changes 4

Demo video shows off some updated Google Material Design changes 5

Demo video shows off some updated Google Material Design changes 6

Google has not announced any release dates for the new Material Design 2 as a whole, although a fall launch in conjunction with their new Pixel smartphones and the official release of Android P seems likely.

source: 9to5Google

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.