Google is set to enhance its Files by Google app with a fresh redesign known as Material 3 Expressive. This update aims to improve the user experience through a series of thoughtful changes that will be rolled out in the coming months. Although these redesigns are still in development, they promise to offer a more modern and visually appealing interface.
Among the most significant updates is the alteration to the app's landing page. The familiar Floating Action Buttons (FABs) have been relocated to a new, central position, where users will find the Quick Share and File Scanner buttons grouped together within a sleek, pill-shaped UI element. This redesign not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a cleaner and more minimalistic look, though it may lead to accidental taps due to their proximity.
Moreover, the image viewer is set to feature a similar change, with the Edit and Circle to Search FABs combined into a single pill-shaped button. This unification is part of Google’s strategy to streamline functionalities while maintaining usability.
Another exciting addition to the Files app is the introduction of a curvy progress bar. Currently, users see a traditional progress bar when installing APK files or compressing items into ZIP files. The new design will showcase a more modern, curved progress indicator that will appear centrally on the screen, enhancing the overall user experience during operations.
The sidebar in the Files app will also see a redesign, with a reduced size that allows for more content visibility on the screen. This alteration is intended to create a more spacious layout, improving navigation. Additionally, the spacing between items in the sidebar has been increased to facilitate easier access. Notably, the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service options have been positioned to appear one above the other at the bottom, enhancing readability.
The upcoming Android 16 update will introduce a variety of expressive UI elements, although users will not immediately see these changes upon the Stable release next month. A Pixel Feature Drop later in the year will enable Google to implement these expressive interfaces across the operating system and its applications, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout.
While the Material 3 Expressive redesign is primarily focused on the Files app, it is part of a broader initiative by Google to refresh several of its key applications, including the Calendar app, to align with this modern aesthetic.
As Google continues to innovate its app designs, users can look forward to a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience with the Files by Google app. The Material 3 Expressive redesign is an exciting step forward, and as development progresses, we anticipate even more enhancements that will improve functionality and usability for all users.
