Google is preparing to enhance the user experience of its Phone app by introducing customizable gestures for answering incoming calls. Currently, users answer calls by swiping up vertically on the screen. However, recent developments indicate that Google plans to offer two new options: a single tap or a horizontal swipe.
This initiative was uncovered through an analysis of the latest beta version (177) of the Phone by Google app. The app’s code includes references to an Incoming call gesture setting, labeled as answer_method, which provides users with the following choices:
– Horizontal swipe
– Single tap
The Single tap option is reminiscent of a design Google tested in September, featuring straightforward Decline and Answer buttons. This design aligns closely with the interface found on Wear OS devices. The Horizontal swipe option corresponds to a pill-shaped user interface where users swipe left to decline and right to answer calls.
By allowing users to select their preferred method for answering calls, Google aims to enhance accessibility and personalization within the Phone app. This feature is expected to be part of a broader Material 3 Expressive redesign of the application.
As of now, these features are in the beta testing phase and have not been officially released. Users interested in trying out these new options can join the beta program for the Phone by Google app through the Google Play Store.
