Update, January 19, 2026 (2:43 PM ET): Almost immediately after publishing this story, we managed to enable an even newer version of the voice search interface in version 17.2.51.sa.arm64 of the Google app:
This new new version replaces the cartoon face in the interface with a microphone icon and the text reading “Listening…” with “Ask anything.” Again, we were able to enable this with some tinkering, but it’s not yet rolling out. The version described in our story below is rolling out as of today.
Original article, January 19, 2026 (2:22 PM ET): The Google app is getting a visual update that gives it kind of a Gemini vibe. A new look is rolling out to the voice search interface accessible from microphone icons throughout the Google app, bringing softly glowing colors that look a lot like what you’ll see in Gemini and Google’s AI Mode.