Old vs new volume panel design for Android. | Image credit – Android Authority

Although these changes may look good on paper, I’m not convinced they represent an improvement. The new design seems to move away from the distinctive Pixel design language we’ve come to expect from Google. The thin chipset and minimalist aesthetic feels somewhat generic and lacks the signature appeal of the current design.

One of the strengths of Material Design is its ability to create a visually engaging and fun experience. The current volume controls, with their chunky sliders and bold colors, embody this philosophy. The new design, in my opinion, loses some of that character.

Of course, these changes are not permanent, and Google may eventually decide to go in a different direction with the final design. We’ll have to wait and see what the upcoming Android preview reveals. But for now, I’m holding out hope that Google will reconsider this new approach and deliver a design that truly complements the Pixel’s unique identity.