Google recently released the v11 update for its Dialer (Read phone) app for Pixel and Nexus series. After exploring the app files further, we found that the app has a Floating Bubble toggle. Although this option is not locally available for users, it can be changed with root access. Not only that, it can be used on any Android device with the latest Google Dialer installed. But before we get into that, let’s discuss what exactly a Floating Bubble is.
What is Google Dialer Floating Bubble?
Floating Balloon in Google Dialer is a new feature that aims to enable users to take action while searching without being on the search screen. Basically, when you exit the search screen, a chat thread similar to what we see in Facebook Messenger appears on the screen and Google’s navy blue phone icon. Users can move this icon across all borders of the home screen, and tapping on it will present you with three actions that allow you to activate the following. loudspeaker mode, mute and end a call.
This feature is a welcome change and proves to be extremely useful. It comes in handy when checking my messages or doing anything while on a call. Previously, I had to enter the search screen to be able to perform any of these functions. Luckily, I can now do this from any screen I’m on using the new Floating Bubble Feature.
Now that you know what this new feature is, let me show you how to get it on both your rooted and non-rooted Android devices.
Activate Google Dialer’s New Floating Bubble Feature With Root
note: The following method only works on devices running Android Marshmallow 6.0 or higher. I tried it on my Rooted Moto G3 and Moto X Play, both running Android 7.1.2 and the feature worked as expected.
- To get started, you must first Install Google Dialer on your device. You can download the APK file from hereand install it.
- The next step is to make sure that this app is now your default phone app. To do this, go to: Settings -> AppsTap and gear icon in the upper right corner. A new screen will open for configuring apps. tap on “Phone app” Select and tap the app you just installed.
note: The application you want to select, navy blue iconas shown in the picture below
- Now, using the root file explorer of your choice, navigate to: /data/data/com.google.android.dialer/shared_prefsTap on and “dialer_phenotype_flags.xml” to edit.
- After the XML file is opened, look for the boolean string with the title. “G_enable_return_to_call_bubble”. Its value should be set to “false”. Replace the value with: “TRUE”. After making the changes, save the file and exit.
- Now, per Settings -> Apps -> Phoneand “Forced Stop” application.
- And that’s it. Just open the app once again To reload into the system’s memory. The next time you receive a call, you should be able to use the Floating Bubble feature.
Enable Google Dialer’s New Floating Bubble Feature Without Root
note: The following method only works on devices running Android Marshmallow 6.0 or higher. I tried the method on my stock Moto G3, and it worked just fine, but I lost a few functions, which I’ll discuss later.
- First step Uninstall Google Dialer if you already have one installed on your device.
- Now, download and install Patched Google Phone APK from here.
- Now that you have it installed, set it as your default phone app. To do this, go to: Settings -> AppsTap and gear icon in the upper right corner. A new screen will open for configuring apps. tap on “Phone app” Select and tap the app you just installed.
- And that’s it. The next time you call, the Floating Balloon feature will be available to you.
note: Since this is a patched version, it comes with its own problems. Spam Caller ID, Nearby Places and other Google Play Services will not work with this version. Also, the app is prone to crashing.
SEE ALSO: How to Make Phone Calls with Google Home
Get Floating Balloon Feature in Google Phone app on your Android Device
While Google Dialer is a solid phone app in itself, the addition of the Floating Bubble feature makes it even more powerful. Following the multitasking approach, the new feature definitely helps in performing search functions from any screen. However, the feature is still only available in app files and not locally available to users. We all know that Google has a habit of adding new features to app files and then removing them before the feature reaches the final build. It is not yet clear what will happen with this new Floating Bubble feature. Let us know in the comments section below what you think about whether the feature is a nice addition and if it will come in final builds.
