Google App and Authenticator Updates: New notifications tab, Material You design, search, and more

Google App Adds Notifications Tab on Android

Google has introduced a new Notifications tab in its Android app, making it easier for users to track updates and alerts. Previously, Google tested a bell icon next to the user’s profile picture in the top-right corner to notify users. This change was first noticed in beta testing in October 2023. However, Google has now replaced the bell icon with a dedicated Notifications tab at the bottom bar, alongside Home, Search, and Saved tabs.

The new Notifications tab provides a streamlined way to view alerts, displaying updates sent by Google. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Reverse Chronological Order: Notifications are organized by time, with recent alerts like “Today” or “New for you” appearing at the top and older ones labeled as “Earlier.”
2. Personalized Updates: The feed includes updates on various topics such as weather forecasts, current temperature, sports scores (including upcoming matches), word of the day, and even available TV shows or movies.
3. Interactive Features: Tapping on any notification takes you directly to the relevant Search results page, while an overflow menu allows you to delete notifications or disable similar alerts in the future.

This server-side update is available for users running Google app version 15.44 and above. Devices that still had the old bell icon interface have been transitioned to this new design. Notably, the iOS version of the Google app has had this Notifications tab for a while, aligning the user experience across both platforms.

Google Authenticator 7.0 Update: New Features and Material You Redesign

Google Authenticator has been updated to version 7.0 on Android, bringing a fresh Material You redesign and several useful features. While some users received the update in August, it became widely available in November 2023 through the Google Play Store.

Key Updates in Google Authenticator 7.0:

1. Search Functionality

• Users can now search for specific accounts instead of scrolling through the entire list. This feature was already present in the iOS version but has now been introduced on Android.
• The search field is integrated with the hamburger menu, account switcher, and cloud sync status, making navigation smoother.

2. Updated QR Code Scanner

• The “Scan a QR code” interface now includes a flash toggle, enhancing usability in low-light conditions. The scanner is powered by Google Play services for improved performance.
• An app shortcut on the Android home screen allows users to directly access the camera scanner, saving time.

3. Enhanced Security with Privacy Screen

• A new Privacy Screen feature can be enabled in Settings to require a PIN, biometric verification, or another screen lock before accessing 2FA codes.
• Users can customize the unlock requirement duration, choosing options like “Immediately,” “After 10 seconds,” “After 1 minute,” or “After 10 minutes,” enhancing security according to personal preferences.

4. Material You Redesign Elements

• The update brings various Material 3 design elements, including Dynamic Color theming on the homepage. The rotating codes and countdown indicators now reflect the theme colors of the user’s device, providing a cohesive visual experience.
• The navigation drawer has been revamped with rounded corners, though the menu items feature a notably larger font size than before.
• The Floating Action Button (FAB) has been updated to a rounded square shape but still displays the multi-color ‘plus’ sign from previous versions.

5. Removed Features

• The manual light/dark mode toggle has been removed, likely due to the app now automatically following the system-wide theme settings.
• Google also eliminated the “Time correction for codes” option, simplifying the app’s settings menu.

Previous Updates and Changes

• Before this, the last significant update to Google Authenticator was in April/May 2023, which introduced a new four-color asterisk icon and enabled sync with Google Accounts.

Final Thoughts

These updates show Google’s focus on enhancing user experience and security. The Notifications tab in the Google app provides a convenient way for users to stay informed about their interests, while the Material You redesign in Google Authenticator brings a modern look and useful features like search, privacy settings, and a more streamlined interface.

With these changes, Google aims to offer a more cohesive, visually appealing, and user-friendly experience across its core apps on Android. If you haven’t updated yet, it’s worth checking the Google Play Store to ensure you’re using the latest versions of these apps.