Android and Wear OS are getting a redesign

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Reaction to Yet Another Android Redesign

  • Many see “Material 3 Expressive” as more churn in a long line of visual overhauls. Complaint: Google rarely sticks with a paradigm long enough to refine it, leaving users and third‑party apps in a mishmash of old and new design languages.
  • Some think the “big refresh” label is overblown; the changes look more like subtle tweaks than a real overhaul, which a few consider appropriate at this stage.
  • The AI “summarize this short blog post” button is mocked as pointless.

Aesthetics vs Usability

  • Strong pushback against “expressive” / “springy” animations and bouncy overscroll: they are seen as adding lag, making devices feel sluggish, and reducing information density.
  • Several users disable animations entirely and want fewer gestures, fewer hidden menus, and more direct access to key functions like Do Not Disturb, Bluetooth, and network settings.
  • Others like the new look and welcome visual polish, but wish Google would keep older styles as an option instead of forcing change.

Wear OS and Smartwatch UX

  • Mixed views on circular watch faces: some find them bad for reading text and a design‑for‑design’s‑sake Apple contrast; others like the classic watch look and cite Garmin and Pixel Watch as good round‑watch experiences.
  • Multiple comments argue Wear OS doesn’t need another redesign but stability, better information density, and serious QA. Reported issues: flaky call routing, unreliable Maps and weather, and odd Fitbit behaviors.
  • Pebble’s old UI is repeatedly held up as a benchmark for clarity and reliability.

Android vs iOS, Pixels, and Ecosystem

  • Several long‑time Android users report switching to iOS due to Android UX churn, bugs, and fragmented updates, despite disliking Apple’s restrictions.
  • Others stay on Android specifically for openness, custom ROMs (e.g., GrapheneOS, LineageOS), and alternative launchers.
  • Pixels are recommended for timely updates but criticized for past modem, battery, and quality issues; some cite serious regressions (e.g., emergency calling bugs, battery‑draining updates).
  • Fragmentation and uncertain update timelines on non‑Pixel devices remain a major deterrent for would‑be switchers.

Hardware, Pricing, and Ports

  • Debate over budget options: some say Android abandoned the $200–300 “small phone” space, others counter with current Moto/Samsung/Xiaomi examples and older, cheaper iPhone SE units.
  • Removal of headphone jacks and microSD slots remains a surprisingly hot issue. Defenders point to wireless ubiquity; critics argue adapters are fragile and inconvenient, and that the removal mostly serves vendor accessory sales.

Broader Frustrations

  • Multiple comments lament that resources go to visual flair instead of core issues: battery life, stability, predictable UX, and stronger ecosystem commitments.