Google Keep's Expressive Redesign Is Rolling Out To Your Wrist

Google’s Android 16-based Material 3 Expressive redesign is available to try out in the operating system’s early QPR beta channel, with broader availability expected to roll out later this year in September. Elements from the same design language are also confirmed to land on Wear OS later this year, bringing dynamic color themes, more space-efficient and engaging Tiles, up to a 10 percent improvement in battery life, and more.

Similar to the ongoing testing on Android, Google’s own apps have started experimenting with the new design on Wear OS too, with an early glimpse of the Google Keep app highlighting key changes.

A Google Pixel Watch against a dark background with bubbles

Uncovered in the app’s latest version 5.25.232.01 build for Wear OS by the folks over at Android Authority, the redesign will exude expressiveness, fluidity, and colors. For starters, the Google Keep app’s homepage is expected to feature a larger ‘+’ button to make it easier for users to quickly create a new note.

Right below, cards with images in them appear with said images stacked side-by-side. For reference, in the current Google Keep look, these images appear as the card’s background with the title and relevant text overlaid on top.

Playful animations are on the way

Screenshots highlighting Google Keep's current and upcoming card look.

Source: Android Authority

Current (left), upcoming (right)

Elsewhere, the buttons for Add reminder, Pin, and Archive now appear in a horizontal layout at the bottom of cards, instead of appearing vertically in a list layout. Said buttons appear as hollow icons that animate with a ‘fill-up’ effect when tapped, providing an intuitive and visual cue to confirm the action.

Additionally, the report highlighted a new animation for notes that features a checklist. When all items on a checklist have been ticked, you’ll be greeted with a new “All done!” expressive animation in green. This isn’t necessarily a groundbreaking feature, but it sure does add an expressive touch to the app and the overall user experience.

According to the report, the new UI is rolling out now via the app’s latest build on wearables running Wear OS 4. That isn’t the case for me yet on my OnePlus Watch 2, suggesting phased availability.

Do you use Google Keep on your watch for quick note access? Or is your usage of the app limited to your smartphone? Let us know in the comments below.