Google Updates Tasks App with Card-Based Interface for Better Usability

Apps & Games / Mobile / Android / Google Updates Tasks App with Card-Based Interface for Better Usability
27 Aug 2024

Google has embarked on an exciting journey to enhance its Google Tasks app, unveiling a significant redesign that is now making its way to Android devices. This update, first hinted at in June 2024, reflects the tech giant’s commitment to refining its productivity tools and ensuring a visually cohesive experience across its ecosystem.

Google Tasks Redesign Features a Card-Based Interface

At the heart of this redesign lies a striking card-based interface. Each task is now presented on its own card, providing a clear distinction between individual tasks and their headers. The cards feature a slightly darker hue compared to the background, a change that becomes particularly pronounced in dark mode. This enhancement not only improves readability but also imparts a modern, polished aesthetic to the app.

The layout has been thoughtfully adjusted, with the three-dot overflow menu relocated to the top right corner of each card, accompanied by sorting options. This new arrangement simplifies task management and allows users to access additional features without overwhelming the screen with clutter. Completed tasks are neatly minimized within their respective cards, maintaining the app’s clean and organized look.

In a move towards a more streamlined experience, Google has also eliminated the bottom app bar from Google Tasks. The floating action button (FAB) remains conveniently positioned in the lower right corner, enabling users to swiftly add new tasks. By removing the bottom bar, the interface has become more intuitive, allowing for easier navigation. Users will find that actions previously located in the bottom bar are still readily accessible within the task list, ensuring that functionality remains intact.

This decision to streamline the app aligns seamlessly with Google’s overarching design philosophy, which emphasizes simplicity and user-friendliness. The redesign fosters a more focused and efficient experience, particularly beneficial for those juggling multiple tasks at once.

The rollout of the Google Tasks redesign is occurring gradually for Android users, as part of a server-side update associated with version 2024.08.05.x of the app. For those who have not yet received the update, a simple force-close and reopening of the app may prompt the redesign. Alternatively, downloading the latest version from a trusted source like APKMirror could also facilitate the update.

Google Tasks to Integrate Reminders from Google Keep

In addition to the visual enhancements, this redesign serves as a precursor to a more substantial functional update on the horizon. Over the next year, Google plans to integrate all reminders from Google Keep into Google Tasks. While the exact timeline for this transition remains unspecified, it underscores Google’s ambition to centralize task management within Google Tasks.

Importantly, Google Keep reminders will not be entirely phased out during this transition. Users will still have access to reminders within the Keep app, ensuring that those who prefer using Keep for note-taking and task management can continue to do so. For users invested in Google’s suite of productivity tools, this redesign presents a fresh, modern interface that enhances task management while preserving essential functionality.

Update: 27 Aug 2024