Google’s At a Glance widget is getting a fresh new look, and it’s bringing some exciting updates to your smartphone. This widget is a handy tool that keeps you informed about your upcoming appointments, weather alerts, commute details, and even flight information. However, its design has been a bit outdated, but Google is changing that with its latest feature drop.
The new At a Glance widget has started showing up on various devices with Google app version 14.39.35.28, which is currently in beta. Although some users have reported seeing it with different versions, it seems like this change is being rolled out through a server-side update. After updating the Google app, the new widget might not appear right away; in some cases, a simple device restart did the trick. If you’re already using the At a Glance widget, don’t worry – the new version will automatically replace the old one, so there’s no need for manual steps.
Now, let’s talk about the redesigned At a Glance widget. It’s quite a departure from the old design and even the current one on Pixel phones. While its core functionality remains the same, the new widget sports a pill-shaped outline with weather information presented in a small, Material You-inspired shape on the right side. Plus, there’s a new three-dot menu in the middle, positioned between the date (or current activity) and the weather.
This menu allows you to dive right into the widget’s options, where you can choose which events and reminders you want to see and customize the widget’s appearance with style settings. These style settings offer options for a solid, transparent, or semi-transparent background, allowing you to tailor the widget to your preferences.
Google initially announced this revamped widget as part of its quarterly feature drop for Android in September. Google stated that the new version would utilize AI to provide you with the most relevant information at your fingertips. However, as of now, there haven’t been any new AI-driven features spotted as part of the redesign. Google had hinted at these changes in previous app teardowns, but no significant AI features have surfaced.
It’s worth noting that the At a Glance widget on Pixel phones may not see the same style overhaul. Google might choose to maintain its current appearance on its own phones, especially considering that this widget is not removable on Pixel devices. This approach allows the widget to remain unobtrusive, ensuring that your favorite wallpaper remains prominently displayed.
In addition to the At a Glance widget update, Google is also rolling out a Material You-inspired redesign for its weather forecast feature. This complements the new look of the At a Glance widget perfectly, providing a cohesive visual experience across your device.
