Cory Gunther
A newly leaked video suggests that Google is testing a new launcher for the Nest Hub Max that will give users easier access to apps and actions. While the last big update came late last year, delivering more actions and a dark theme, this would be a much bigger change overall to the user experience.
The way things are now, apps on the Nest Hub Max are known as “Actions by Google,” and most work the same way. For example, you have to ask Google to play music on YouTube Music or open YouTube TV with your voice. Alternatively, users can find these apps or services in the media tab.
However, we’re now seeing an all-new user interface for the Nest Hub Max that could change all of that. Spotted on Reddit by 9to5Google, we’re seeing a whole new apps UI. Similar to how you’d open apps on your phone, a swipe up from the bottom of the Nest Hub Max shows an “app tray” of sorts.
By default, there are only six apps shown, but then in the video, the user taps the “show all” button and gets a more traditional list. From here, it looks like users will be able to scroll through apps and services that are linked to the device.
This would likely be a welcome change, giving the owners an interface they know and understand, not to mention the ease of controlling the device. Currently, apps are available throughout the day as recommendations in cards served up by Google.
In the video, the user struggles to get the app launcher to open, suggesting this could be a feature being tested by Google. If we see a bigger rollout or more information, we’ll be sure to update this post.
via 9to5Google
