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Google could soon give your profile a subtle ‘Aura’ upgrade, but only if you pay

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Why This Matters

Google is testing a new subtle blue 'Aura' upgrade around user profiles in its apps, replacing the existing multicolored ring for certain premium subscribers. This change aligns with Google's recent visual updates that emphasize AI integration, such as gradient icons and Gemini branding. The new 'Aura' aims to create a more streamlined, AI-themed user experience, highlighting the company's focus on AI-powered features and premium services.

Key Takeaways

Andy Walker / Android Authority

TL;DR Google is testing a new blue halo around your profile picture in the account switcher across its apps.

This blue halo would replace the existing multicolored ring Google One subscribers currently see.

The blue ring features a subtle gradient that reminds us of the Gemini logo.

For this reason, it’s possible the change only applies to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers, not to the regular Google One tiers.

Icons across Google’s Workspace apps recently underwent a sweeping change, replacing the older rainbow-colored icons with more 3D, gradient-based ones. This gradient, which we see in abundance across anything related to Gemini, is a marker of AI inclusion in these apps. And since the icon rollout is already complete, similar changes inside apps are now in order, and Google may be starting with the account switcher, which is set to bring a new “Aura” around your profile photo.

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Google is now looking to swap out the color accents around in the account switcher. This colored ring, comprising red, yellow, green, and blue, currently shows around your profile image in the account switcher if you’re a Google One or AI Pro/Ultra subscriber.

Instead of the segmented ring, Google is currently testing a blue halo with a subtle gradient that resembles Gemini’s icon. We spotted a reference to RING_TYPE_G1_PREMIUM_AURA in the Google apps’ code, and it likely refers to this new variant that we were also able to view, as you can see in the images below.

Current "Aura" ring New "Aura" ring bring tested

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