Google isn’t letting Google Phone, a customized version of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) dialer with a few added features, stagnate. In recent months, it’s been updated with real-time spam protection, caller ID, call blocking, visual voicemail (with transcription support on some carriers), and a local directory feature that shows top search results for phone numbers that aren’t in your contact list. Just last week, Google flipped the switch on a redesigned floating, draggable “bubble” that puts buttons for muting your phone’s microphone, ending an ongoing call, and toggling speakerphone at your fingertips. Now, the search giant is testing a new Google Phone design that relegates the dialer’s in-app shortcuts to a bar at the bottom of the screen.
The new “bottom bar” UI, which hasn’t been enabled yet, swaps the Google Phone app’s current top tabs for bottom tabs with text labels (and a new tab for voicemail). In the latest version of the Google Phone app (v17), the dialer’s sections are divided among three corresponding shortcuts: speed dial, call history, and contacts. A new hidden-by-default option in the app’s overflow menu adds a shortcut to Android’s home screen that, when tapped, reveals the new Google Phone interface.
Enabling the bottom bar isn’t too challenging, but it requires root access. Root can’t be achieved on every Android device, but one of the most widely supported utilities is Magisk — it’s a good place to start. You’ll also a root-enabled file explorer such as MiXplorer and a basic text editing app. (Text Editor is a solid option).
By default, the Google Phone is only available for users of the Google Nexus and Pixel phones. That includes the Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL. Alternatively, you can install the latest version of the app via a Magisk Module.
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