Google Phone App Gets Floating Bubbles for In-Call Actions

While using our smartphones, we're juggling a lot of tasks at the same time. Multitasking is a key functioning metric on smartphones – especially Android, and information technology is often that we're engaged in another chore in the groundwork while speaking on a call. To brand that easier, Google is calculation floating chat heads (or rather, call heads) to its Google Telephone app which is the default calling app on Pixel and Android Ane devices, assuasive users to minimize the call in a Facebook Messenger-similar bubbles with the contact's photo on information technology.

A stripped down version of the floating call/chat heads was spotted by 9to5Google last year in August, but the electric current version is much more elaborate and rich with features. You tin can toggle basic controls like muting the call, switching between earpiece and speaker, and catastrophe the call direct from the floating bubble. The floating bubble appears on its own when y'all press the Domicile button and you can also apply information technology to enter the call screen again.

Google Phone App Gets Messenger-Like Floating Bubbles for Calls — Courtesy: Android Police force

The feature seems to be experimental right now and you cannot disable it. Simply if you're not fond of floating windows, y'all can toggle "display on meridian of others apps" off for the Google Telephone app. This will not hurt your calling experience in any way.

Google seems to be testing the Real-Time Text (RTT) feature which basically transmits text instantly over calls instead of a defended SMS. There aren't many noted uses, unless you're in desperate need of sending a text to the person calling – maybe to spell out a particular give-and-take or type a long string of numbers. RTT was spotted by Android Law in an APK Teardown and it is likely that Google includes the characteristic in upcoming updates.

In case you own a Pixel or Android I device and want to give the new chat head feature a endeavour, you tin can download the Google Phone app for free from the Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can selection the latest APK version from APK Mirror. If you do non own a Pixel or Android device, you can read our guide on how to enable chat heads for a variety of tertiary-political party apps.