Google"s Phone app is set to be refreshed to version 5.1 with the launch of the new Pixel devices. The redesigned app was discovered from a batch of leaked Pixel system image files from earlier this week.
The most notable change is a new in-call and call notification interface. The app now opens up a transparent blue background over the phone"s existing wallpaper to display the standard phone conversation options. The phone icon from the lock screen also "buzzes" slightly to indicate an incoming call.
The contact photo in version 5.1 is circular, similar to the redesigned app icons set to appear on the Pixel handsets. In addition, users will need to swipe up or down to accept or decline a call from the lock screen, rather than dragging the phone icon to either side.
YouTube user, Czifra János, posted the below video showing off the new app’s design. The video details outgoing and incoming call interactions as well as the changes to call merging options.
While this new Phone app and launcher icon appear to be exclusive to the Pixel devices by official channels, interested Android users can download the image file via APK Mirror. Judging by the comments on the download page, success rates of installing the app have been mixed, though most rooted devices or those running at least Android Marshmallow have been able to get the app working.
Source: Android Authority