For a long time, the Google app had an integrated bookmarking function to save links, images, and places found through Search. Today, an update is running on Android that redesigns the interface and elevates it prominently to the bottom bar.
Previously, the “Collections” page was available from the “More” tab of the Google app. For some, it’s now the fourth tab in the bottom bar— replacing “Recent.” In the Google app and collections redesign in early July, we first found this new place.
The Collections page gains a slightly tweaked UI in addition to high placement. The “Last added items” carousel is gone, although some users in Search have a segment called “Suggested” to “Create collections from your latest activity.” Below is a list of the bigger cover images of your Pinterest-esque boards on the right. Default groupings include Favorite pages, images and places, with items ordered by date.
Use the “New” button— featuring the four-color plus sign from Google — to create custom ones in the top-right corner. Once generated, the app prompts you how to “look for the bookmark across Google to add what you like.” There’s also a shortcut to “Start your search” or “Find more” FAB that slides up a “Similar to what you’ve added” panel and other search terms.
Collections can be shared by means of connections with others. A “View only” or “Contributor” URL are two choices. The Sharing page reports the number of supporters.
The redesign of the Google Collections app started rolling out to some beta users tonight. It is not yet commonly available, with those enabled to redesign seeing a new interface on google.com/collections as well.
