Update 1 (March 19, 2024)
11:22 am (IST): The update is now rolling out widely to Pixel and other Android users via the Google Play Store.
Original article from February 21 follows:
Google Play Books is finally getting a Material You makeover, bringing the app in line with your Pixel’s overall theme. This update was first spotted by 9to5Google. So Android users, especially those with Pixel phones, who love a consistent look across their phones can rejoice.
While Google Play Books received a Material You widget in 2022 and a new icon last year, the majority of the app’s interface remained stuck in the older Google Material Theme. The new redesign is rolling out gradually with version 2024.2.9.0 on the Play Store. It brings the following UI changes to bring Play Books in line with Google’s Material You design:
- A pill-shaped search bar
- Updated account menu (previously redesigned)
- Material You bottom bar with pill-shaped tab indicators
- Updated navigation rail on tablets and foldables
- Rounded rectangle carousels in the Library tab
- Pill-shaped buttons in the Shop
I had to sideload the update on my device as the update isn’t yet live on the Play Store for me. That said, I’ve added a few before/after screenshots for reference. Check them out below:
The update brings much-needed visual consistency, but it’s not perfect. Play Books doesn’t yet support Dynamic Color theming and there is still a dark theme mismatch for the Your books/Shelves/Series/Upcoming tab background, as noted by 9to5Google. The reading view and settings areas also remain unchanged.
Version 2024.2.9.0 of Google Play Books is currently rolling out via the Play Store. If you haven’t gotten it yet, be patient!
This Google Play Books redesign addresses one more app in need of a Material You update. Most recently, Google brought its Material You design to Google Translate’s Conversation Mode too. However, several active Google apps still await a similar makeover, including Authenticator, Classroom, and Play Games.
Dwayne Cubbins
1083 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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