With the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system will a refreshed Android logo. The typeface will more closely match the one used by Google’s logo, and Android will now be spelled with a capital A. According to the company, the new change “more closely mirrors Google’s logo and creates a balance between the two.” Additionally, the robot will take on a 3D appearance, with colorful variations as the occasion calls for it. There’s a furry-textured one, too, and I don’t think I like it.
Google is also unveiling several updates to its mobile apps and services, including updates to its At a Glance Google Assistant widget, enhancements to its Lookout visual accessibility app, and Zoom calls in Android Auto. This comes with branding updates designed to remind us that Android is fun but also a serious Google product. It all arrives as we anticipate Android 14’s imminent release. It is a slightly less exciting milestone when you realize that most new Android features come throughout the year in updates like this rather than in one big OS platform upgrade.
The Lookout app, which provides descriptions of on-screen imagery for people with low vision or blindness, will be able to describe scenes more intelligently and answer follow-up questions. And Android Auto is adding support for joining Zoom and Webex calls, albeit audio-only.
Google has a hardware launch event where we expect to show off the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphone among other products on October 4th.
