Google Home Finally Joins the Party with Material 3 Expressive’s Sleek Bottom Bar—But Why Did It Take So Long?
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Google’s design updates, you’ll know that Material 3 Expressive (M3 Expressive) made waves by reintroducing a shorter bottom navigation bar. But here’s where it gets interesting: not all apps jumped on board right away—Google Home being a notable holdout. Well, that’s changed now, and it’s about time! The Android version of Google Home has finally embraced the M3 Expressive update, complete with its shorter, more streamlined navigation bar (officially called the flexible navigation bar). Even the text labels have gotten a subtle tweak. And this is the part most people miss: while this change doesn’t drastically increase the visible content, it’s all about consistency—a small but meaningful step toward a unified user experience across Google’s ecosystem.
Old vs. New: Who’s Still Lagging Behind?
Google Home isn’t the only app playing catch-up. Other first-party apps like Phone by Google and Pixel Journal are still sporting the taller bottom bar, despite receiving the M3 Expressive redesign elsewhere. Meanwhile, apps like Google Maps, the Play Store, and all YouTube clients never made the switch during the Material 3 era. It’s a mixed bag, and it raises the question: why the inconsistency? Is it a deliberate design choice, or just a matter of timing?
How Did This Rollout Happen?
The updated bottom bar in Google Home arrived via a server-side update, though version 4.3 of the app is now widely available on Android. iOS users, however, are still waiting—a reminder that cross-platform updates don’t always happen in lockstep. But here’s a controversial thought: could Google be prioritizing Android updates to push users toward its own ecosystem? Let us know what you think in the comments.
What’s Next for Google Home?
Google’s innovation train shows no signs of slowing down. From clever AI integrations to significant device controller redesigns and budget-friendly smart home partnerships with IKEA, the future looks bright. Speaking of which, did you catch the preview of the ‘significant’ device controller redesign or the fact that IKEA’s new Matter-compatible lights, sensors, and remotes work seamlessly with Google Home? It’s an exciting time for smart home enthusiasts.
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Final Thoughts: Is Consistency Overrated?
While the shorter bottom bar in Google Home might seem like a minor change, it sparks a bigger conversation about design consistency across platforms. Is it worth the effort, or should Google focus on more impactful updates? And what does this say about the future of Material Design? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this seemingly small but surprisingly significant update!
