Google Redesigns Search Live with Minimized Camera View and New Animations

The Google app is preparing a significant redesign for its Search Live feature, which allows users to get real-time answers through voice commands or a combination of voice and camera. The current camera interface occupies the entire screen, making some UI elements difficult to locate. Google is working on a new design that minimizes the camera window, allowing users to move it around the screen for a better viewing experience.

In version 17.64.13 beta of the Google app, a revamped camera view has been introduced. The new design includes a smaller viewfinder with a grab handle at the top, enabling users to minimize the window and reposition it in the corners of the screen. This change removes the glow at the edges of the screen that currently appears when the video feed is active.

Another notable change is the disappearance of the Transcript button. However, it is unclear whether this feature has been permanently removed or simply relocated. Users can still access transcripts from the AI Mode search history page via the hamburger menu icon in the top left of the updated Search Live viewfinder. Additionally, the redesign introduces new bubble animations at the bottom as Search Live listens and responds to queries.

These visual updates aim to shift the focus back to the answers rather than the camera feed. While the changes are welcome, it remains uncertain when or if these features will be rolled out more widely via the Google app. It is also important to note that an APK teardown predicts features that may arrive in the future, but these predicted features may not make it to a public release.