The launch of Android 14 is imminent, but Google is already making one of the most important innovations. The name and logo of the operating system get a completely new look.
The famous green Android mascot “Bugdroid” has been somewhat neglected in recent years. However, as part of an effort to highlight the operating system’s fun factor, Google is breathing new life into it. The logo is intended to better represent the diversity of the Android community and can officially be seen in 3D for the first time.
Dynamic logo and new Android notation
Google has always taken an approach that’s a little more gamified than the highly-serious iOS. That’s why the Android operating system has had the Bugdroid as its logo since it was launched in 2008. In the beginning it was shown in full size together with the lettering, since 2016 only the head appears in connection with the name Android. Design and appearance always remained the same.
Now the company is adapting the Bugdroid itself for the first time since its introduction. Not only does the logo get more curves – because it’s now in 3D – the whole look is now dynamically customizable. This means that Google can adapt it not only to occasions and circumstances, but also to individual preferences. On the company’s The Keyword blog, the logo is something like Stuffed animal, light bulb, disco ball, with pride flag and hard hat to see. Google emphasizes the dynamic character with a lot of movement when changing outfits.
With the 3D display, the proportions of the Bugdroid also change a bit. Instead of straight arms, slightly angled extremities can now be seen, which also get a little thicker towards the outside. The lower part, which used to be a bit more angular, is now round like the head. Attached button eyes and shades complete the 3D look.
Google is also changing the spelling of the operating system itself to better match its own brand. “Android” is now officially written with a capital “A” instead of “android” as before. According to their own statements, the logo should have more presence when it can be seen next to the Google logo. The font itself is also a bit rounder than before.
The lettering and logo are due to appear in their new form on Android and other devices later this year.
New features come with updates
Coinciding with the Android brand’s new look, Google has released a feature update for the operating system announced. It’s one of the quarterly “feature drops” the company uses to roll out new features independent of new Android versions.
“At a glance” widget
The AI-supported widget should now better understand when users need certain information. Similar to the smart stack in iOS, it learns when it’s the right time to show weather updates, travel info, and event reminders.
Lookout app
This accessibility feature can describe images on the screen for people with visual impairments. Questions in the form of text or spoken language are also possible. The update improves the recognition of image content and more supported languages are available.
Android Auto
With the September update, Android Auto gets the ability to join Zoom and Webex calls while driving — only in the form of voice calls, of course.
Wallet app
Google Wallet recently received a major design update. The company also announced that it would make more passes and tickets available in the app. Now there is the possibility of simply scanning documents with a barcode or QR code with the camera and storing them in the Google Wallet.