QR codes are ubiquitous today, and modern smartphones offer a fast and convenient way to scan them. Android phones come with QR code scanning functionality built into the system. This functionality usually doesn’t change much, except for some small but important additions. However, new evidence found in the latest Google Play services beta suggests that a redesign is on the way.
Details of the Android QR scanner redesign
Changes to Android’s QR code scanner have been discovered in the v24.28.30 beta. Android Authority’s reviews have revealed a redesigned interface for Android’s QR code scanner. Users can access this functionality from their Android phone’s Quick Settings tile or app drawer (on Pixel phones). Android’s stock Camera app can also scan QR codes, but the Quick Settings solution makes it a bit easier.
In its current form, activating the built-in QR code scanner opens a large viewfinder, with two buttons in the upper right corner of the screen: a flashlight button and a feedback button. At the bottom of the screen is a gallery icon with a “Scan from photo” option, allowing users to scan codes from saved images.
With the new design, the flashlight, “Scan from photo” and feedback options are all placed inside a pill-shaped box at the bottom of the screen. According to Android Authority, this reorganization makes it easier for users to access the QR code scanner when using it with one hand.
The on-screen text that reads “Scan QR code” has also been moved to a pill-shaped box just above the viewfinder. In the previous design, this text was located just below the viewfinder. Also, the close button (x) in the upper left corner has been removed with the new design.
Google has announced that it will no longer release any updates for Android Lollipop, marking the end of an era.
In addition to these repositioning changes to the QR code scanner, a new animation is also coming. This animation appears when the scanner is triggered and involves the screen viewfinder expanding slightly and falling back into place. While not a major change, this refreshes the user experience a bit.
It’s unclear when these new additions will be rolled out to Android users, but they’ve already been seen in the Google Play services beta, so hopefully widespread rollout isn’t too far off.
