Google Assistant is getting a better visual interface on Android

Google Assistant is getting a more visual interface on Android phones, with larger images for web search and easier access to the visual snapshot of your day.

Web searches with Google Assistant may now display a larger image in the assistant interface on Android phones when you ask factually based questions or say things like: “Tell me about San Francisco.”

Better imagery is also included with box scores for sports game highlights, recipes, weather forecasts, and visual dial control for speaker volume, lights, and other smart home devices. The more visual approach is similar in some ways to the interface for Smart Displays from Lenovo and JBL that were introduced in the past few weeks.

Also new is a more visual experience for Google Assistant actions, such as GIF tutorials for Fitstar workouts and larger images of food for people making dinner with the Food Network action.

Google has been steadily introducing more visual elements for Google Assistant voice apps and interactions with the assistant on various surfaces. In the past year, Google Assistant has been introduced for more smart televisions and to car infotainment systems through Android Auto.

The visual snapshot of your day feature was introduced this summer to give you reminders and information about your schedule, packages to be delivered, your commute to work, and the latest news.

Nearly half of all Google Assistant queries this year have involved a visual interface and combine voice and touch, the company said in a blog post announcing the news.

The more visual display is being introduced less than a week before a Made by Google Hardware event in New York City, where the Pixel 3 smartphone, a Smart Display speaker with a screen, and other Google Assistant-powered devices are expected to debut.

The ability to sign in to a voice app using Google and to subscribe to experiences with Google Assistant actions, such as premium content or bonuses when playing games, were also introduced to Google Assistant today.