New Features in Google Apps: How to Access Additional Actions with a Nice Animation

Google is continually working to improve its apps, and users can be excited about some new features that are still under development. These new features include the Floating App Bar and the Floating Action Button (FAB) menu, aimed at making navigation smoother and enhancing the user experience.

Floating App Bar

One of the most intriguing features in the pipeline is the Floating App Bar. This tool is designed to provide users with quick access to important actions within an app. Available in horizontal and vertical configurations, this bar can hide upon scrolling, thus offering a cleaner screen when needed.

The Floating App Bar can be considered a toolbar, and an example of its potential utility can be seen in Google Chat. Here, it acts like a floating navigation bar that provides access to key parts of the app. It packs essential actions, such as search and profile settings, making it easier for users to navigate.

Picture this: you’re using an app and the Floating App Bar pops up just when you need it, then quietly hides away when you’re done. This subtle functionality aims to blend seamlessly without cluttering the screen.

Preview at Google I/O 2023

During Google I/O 2023, a glimpse into the future of Material You on tablets was provided. For instance, in a Google Keep-style example, a panel featuring a profile avatar, search, and buttons for creating new notes, lists, drawings, or images was shown. This panel could be moved from the side to the bottom of the screen, bearing a resemblance to the Floating App Bar.

Floating Action Button (FAB) and FAB Menu

Another significant addition is the Floating Action Button, commonly used in Google’s apps. The FAB is a round button that provides users with direct access to an app’s primary function. Google is now working on a Medium FAB to complement the existing Small, Standard, and Large FAB sizes, so users can expect to see a new option that fits their specific needs.

Moreover, the FAB Menu enables the main FAB to expand into several options with a delightful animation. Those who use Google Calendar and Google Docs/Sheets/Slides might already be familiar with this feature. With a click, additional actions fan out, giving users more choices in a visually appealing way.

An Improved User Experience

Accessibility and ease of use are essential components for any app. The animations and smooth transitions associated with the FAB Menu not only make navigation more intuitive but also add a touch of charm. It’s these little details that enhance the overall user experience, making daily tasks a bit more enjoyable.

Additional New Tools

Additionally, Google is developing a Split button feature, similar to one currently present in Google Docs editors, located at the top-right corner. This feature allows users to perform split actions, streamlining multitasking within the app.

These updates, once finalized and implemented, will bring a significant change to how users interact with Google apps. The company’s continuing efforts to innovate and refine its tools demonstrate its commitment to delivering a seamless user experience.

Next on the list: Split button! pic.twitter.com/6bGOUCtYQF

— Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) July 15, 2024

Stay Updated with More Changes

Google is known for continuously updating its apps, often adding new features and refining user interfaces. Some other notable changes include:

• Redesign of the Chrome address bar with Material You for Android tablets and iPads
• Updated navigation drawers in various Android apps
• Introduction of an animated Material You carousel in Google Photos

To stay informed about these and other upcoming features, users can add 9to5Google to their Google News feed. As Google continues to innovate, there surely will be more exciting features to explore in the near future.

It’s always an exciting time when new technology and features are under development. Users can anticipate a more streamlined, user-friendly experience as these new tools begin to roll out.

Happy browsing and enjoy the enhanced functionality!