Home
News
You are here

Google explains why it won't let you customize the look of Google Assistant on Android

4comments

By Alan Friedman

Published: Feb 14, 2023, 11:52 AM

Google explains why it won't let you customize the look of Google Assistant on Android

Google Assistant is considered by most device users to be the best virtual digital assistant beating out Alexa, Siri, Bixby, and others. But you might have noticed (and in all honesty, it isn't hard to spot) that on Android, Google Assistant is always in Dark mode even if you have your system setting on Light mode. Back in October, Google said that Light mode is no longer available for Assistant on Android.

Now, Google has issued a support page titled "Assistant Uses Dark Mode By Default" in an attempt to revisit the issue. On the page, Google writes, "Google Assistant regularly tries new ideas to see what works and what could work better. This includes ways to make our products look and feel consistent throughout our product ecosystem."

The company continues, "To offer a more helpful visual experience across all your devices, including Pixel Watch and Google TV, when you engage with Assistant on mobile Light mode is no longer available - it will now have a dark appearance, even if you have Dark theme turned off in your phone settings."

The bottom line is that you shouldn't expect to see Google Assistant in any other theme other than Dark and if you're not a fan of white text on a black background, you're SOL (Google it).

Google Assistant, on the bottom of the screen, will show up in Dark mode only on Android

As we told you less than a week ago, Google Assistant will be playing a key part in the new Google Lens feature "Search your screen." This feature allows users to employ Lens to search photos and videos from websites and messaging and video apps. For example, if someone sends a video to you via your Messages app and you see a landmark in the background that you're curious about, activate Google Assistant by long-pressing on your Android's power or home button. Tap on "search screen" to get the info you want.

This feature is part of an update that will be disseminated over the upcoming months.

Perhaps there will be a day in the future when Google gives Android users the ability to decide whether they want to see Google Assistant in Dark Mode or Light Mode. But for right now, if you're an Android user, you have no choice.

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

Read the latest from Alan Friedman