14 DAY TRIAL // Google is expected to release the next Android OS version in the coming weeks, and in the past few days, many have been talking about the redesigned home button in Android 7.0 Nougat. There has been only some information on how it might work, but a leaked GIF now shows the animation and reveals that the button could be linked to Google Assistant.
The animation has appeared over at Android Police, and it explains exactly how the new home button works. It is believed that the new home button could be used to promote Google Assistant, possibly through Now / On Tap functions.
The leaked GIF shows the home button changing its shape and turning into four little dots in different colors, the same as the Google logo. In addition, the small dots surround the home button and then arrange themselves in a line. If Google Now is disabled on the device, the four little dots won't appear. The animation is turned on by simply long-pressing the home button.
The new home button could be featured on the upcoming Nexus phones
In addition, the animation causes Google Now On Tap to launch with some Assistant shortcuts like tasks, alarms or finding nearby places.
Google Assistant was presented during Google I/O, and the technology will integrate existing Google features, as well as upcoming services like Google Home or Allo. In addition, the feature will interact with Google Search, and it will be built into Allo, allowing users to bring up information in Allo discussions with others or chat directly with the Assistant in a conversational mode.
The new home button with Google Assistant link could arrive on the two upcoming Nexus smartphones as part of Android 7.0 Nougat, but it's unclear at this point if they will also be featured on other Nexus devices. In addition, Google is also said to incorporate a new Nexus launcher in the two upcoming handsets. The launcher would have a redesigned app drawer icon and some more features.
