Google is apparently going back to basics with a new interface for incoming calls on Android. The system could return to a two-button layout, taking inspiration from the iPhone in particular.
Google is reportedly testing a completely new interface for the Phone app on Android. More specifically, it’s the incoming call screen that will apparently be inspired by what’s done at Samsung and especially the iPhone.
The return of the two-icon screen
Google is currently testing this new interface in a beta version of the Phone app according to Android Authority. According to the screenshots shared by the media, the incoming call screen now displays two buttons: one to answer the call and another to decline it.
While we find this arrangement in particular at Samsung, Google seems to be inspired by the iPhone interface by placing the Reply button on the right and Decline on the left.
Google has been making it possible to answer calls with the swipe of a single icon for a very long time: the change was introduced with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) in 2011.
This new interface would harmonize the user experience between the different OS but also make the experience more accessible for the elderly with two dedicated buttons.
This change has not been tested on a large sample of users, however, and we will have to wait a little longer before seeing it deployed for all smartphones using Google’s official Phone app.
