Google is infusing more personality into Android with its upcoming expressive redesign. Some new design elements have already appeared throughout the platform, and recently, new animations have surfaced, showcasing a more lively experience. One notable enhancement is in notification dismissals, where notifications now exhibit a playful bounce when they are not fully dismissed. This animation provides a tactile feel to the interaction, making the user experience more engaging.

Quick Settings are also seeing improvements. When toggling a setting on or off, the toggle shape changes from an oval to a rounded rectangle, providing a clearer visual indication of its status. Initially, this design choice faced criticism for the inconsistency in shape. However, it’s important to remember that these designs are still in early stages and may evolve further.

The recents menu is another area being updated. A new subtle animation will occur when a user attempts to swipe away an app but doesn’t complete the action. The app will bounce back, along with the apps beside it, adding a fun element to the task. Although most users might overlook this detail, it contributes to the overall liveliness.

Visual enhancements are also being made to the power button and volume slider. Pressing the power button now triggers a squeeze animation as immediate feedback. Additionally, when adjusting the volume during media playback, a waveform animation will appear on the slider, giving real-time feedback on audio changes. Lastly, the lock screen clock will incorporate a subtle animation upon tapping, enhancing interactivity even in a minor way.

While these changes may seem small, they collectively contribute to a more dynamic user experience. These updates could rollout with the first Quarterly Platform Release for Android 16 or might wait until Android 17 next year.