{
  "id": 18360177,
  "title": "Phone by Google 246 beta brings gradient icon redesign on Android",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/phone-by-google-246-beta-brings-gradient-icon-redesign-on-android",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-05T19:04:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/11/05/phone-by-google-246-new-icon/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Following the recent Messages update, Google's Phone app has been given a fresh look in the beta channel. The version 246 of the app is now available to users who have opted into the beta channel. This update brings a redesigned gradient icon to the Phone app, which is still officially referred to as \"Phone by Google\" to prevent any confusion with the Pixel-branded app. While the overall shape of the handset remains the same as before, the size of the phone icon has increased slightly. The new design features larger gradients on the earpiece and mouthpiece, creating a flatter and lighter appearance compared to the previous version. Google has also removed the darker blue shade entirely, opting for a crisper and clearer look that is more harmonious with the modern design of other Google apps. The app icon now appears sharper and more visually appealing on the home screen. Google claims that these changes have been made to ensure that the Phone app blends seamlessly with all other Google tools, resulting in a cohesive and clean look on the user's screen. At present, there are no other modifications to the app with this update. It is anticipated that the Phone by Google 246 app will be rolled out to stable users in the coming weeks. Interested users can join the beta program through the Play Store listing. For more news, be sure to check out 9to5Google on YouTube.",
  "summary": "Following the Messages update earlier this week , Phone by Google has received its redesigned gradient icon in the beta channel. more…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Police",
        "title": "I replaced Google's core apps with the open source Fossify suite for a bloat-free Android setup",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/i-replaced-googles-core-apps-with-the-open-source-fossify-suite-for-a",
        "published": "2026-11-04T20:00:10.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Android Canary 2611 is out today for Google’s most adventurous testers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/android-canary-2611-is-out-today-for-googles-most-adventurous-testers",
        "published": "2026-11-04T20:09:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechSpot",
        "title": "Google is bringing automatic Android photo and video backups to Windows PCs through Quick Share",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/google-is-bringing-automatic-android-photo-and-video-backups-to",
        "published": "2026-11-05T10:18:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "XDA Developers",
        "title": "I sideloaded companion apps to run alongside Android Auto and finally got the multitasking Google refuses to allow",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/i-sideloaded-companion-apps-to-run-alongside-android-auto-and-finally",
        "published": "2026-11-05T16:30:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}