Google is finally getting serious about Android tablets. With players like Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo and Realme entering the tablet scene, it’s time for Google to do some work to improve the Android experience on big screen devices. Earlier this year, Google announced Android 12L to make Android look good on foldables and tablets. And today, the company shared how it is optimizing the Android app experience for larger tablet screens.
At Google I/O 2022, Google announced that it would be updating more than 20 Google apps to “look amazing on the big screen.” The company didn’t share an exhaustive list of apps, but YouTube Music, Google Maps, Google Photos, Play Store and Google TV are confirmed to be getting a visual makeover.
Big screen, big change. We’re optimizing the Android experience for larger tablet screens. 20+ Google apps will get a makeover so they’re easier to use and easier on the eyes. Many of your other favorite apps are getting updates as well. #googlio pic.twitter.com/qbfs0DLkZM
– Google Google) 11 May 2022
Google also gave us a glimpse of some new tablet experiences, including a new UI for the YouTube Music app, a multi-view column view for Messages, and a customized Google Maps UI that shows rich information at a glance.
In addition, some of your favorite third-party apps such as TikTok, Facebook, Zoom, and Canva are also set to receive tablet-centric updates. Google says it’s also working on making it easier to find customized tablet apps on the Google Play Store.
In addition to detailing these improvements, Google has also teased a new Pixel Tablet. Not much is known about the tablet, except that it has chunky bezels and a single rear camera. And it’s not coming until 2023.
Stay tuned with XDA as we bring you all the latest Google I/O 2022 announcements!
