Recently, Amazon started testing a new, Pill-shaped Search Bar at the top of its Android app. It's a big visual refresh of the app with a far more 'familiar' layout.

This hints at Amazon's efforts to make user experience and navigation on mobile devices more light. In this article, we will examine the details of this new design.

There will be a discussion on its features, potential impact, and what that means for Amazon’s Android users.

The New Design

One of the biggest noticeable changes in this update is the shift. It ranges from a standard rectangular search bar to a rounded 'pill' search bar. This new search bar sits at the app's top.

It is a central focal point for people trying to find products. This change is accompanied by a shift to a cleaner, more modern header that is nearly colorless or subdued.

Comparison

The Android Amazon app previously had a more portal-like, rectangular search bar with a colored background. As design trends shift towards softer pill-shaped apps, the new pill-shaped design harmonizes with those trends.

Cleaning off the colored header further enhances the clean aesthetic and highlights the search functionality more. The change of structure also helps to make the search bar more visible.

Features and Functionality

Search Functionality

The search bar's shape is different. However, what stands out is that the core search functionality is still largely the same. The app still lets users type in keywords to search for products. It continues to suggest autocomplete suggestions as users type.

The update keeps voice search intact, allowing users to search the app by speaking. Importantly, the new design still integrates with Amazon Lens, allowing users to search products by images.

User Experience:

The new design aims to improve usability and accessibility by:

Increased Visibility: The search bar is pretty easy to spot, and that could encourage people to use it more.

Modern Aesthetic: This cleaner design gives a more contemporary and visually appealing experience.

Improved Touch Target: The search bar's round shape may provide more torque to the user's target touch if the hand has many fingers.

Rollout and Availability

Testing Phase

Amazon is now testing this new design with a small jet of users in a few regional areas. As for this phased rollout, Amazon can gather user feedback and figure out any problems before a wider release.

Global Rollout

No official date has been announced for when the new design will debut. However, it is expected to roll out once the testing phase is complete. Unwilling users can ensure they have the latest version.

The Last Wording

Amazon has unveiled a sleek, pill-shaped search bar lifted from a sharply raised platform. It signals a visual upgrade to lift the bar for the user experience and simplify navigation. 

Lastly, such a strategy is evident because Amazon has been committed to improving its app interface. Amazon’s priority is to focus on improvements that consider users' needs and wishes. 

Also Read: 6 Android Apps We Install On Our New Phone Immediately