Google's Redesigned Logo Mirrors Apple's iOS 7 (AAPL, GOOG)

First there was a push for flatter stomachs. Then flat-screen monitors began to replace our oversized television sets. Now flat electronics sit on our pockets, just waiting to be used. Soon the software industry may replace its bold, multi-dimensional icons with those that are unusually flat. This concept started with Apple AAPL, which may have been inspired by the technology featured in the film Minority Report. The iPhone creator may have also been inspired by the way words and data digitally appeared on screen in the film Stranger Than Fiction. In iOS 7, flat icons are a new standard. Apple presumably did this to enhance the overall background depth, which makes it appear that the icons are hovering over the home screen's background image. It's a cool effect, but it might not be much more than a visual gimmick designed to lure new users. Not to be outdone, it seems that Google GOOG is interested in joining the "flat" bandwagon. While the search engine giant has not indicated that it will turn Android into an iOS 7 clone, Google is currently testing a flat logo that may one day appear on its homepage. Related: Apple's iOS 7 Final Beta And Gold Master Are Ready For Launch 9to5Google uncovered the revised logo, which is as flat and simple-looking as an iOS 7 icon. It has lost the shading, shadow and lighting effects that make the current Google logo appear to be somewhat dimensional. When looking at the new logo, users will no longer feel like it is something real that they can touch.

Image Source: 9to5Google Why would Google make these changes? It could be that the tech industry is beginning to realize that everything in Minority Report -- self-driving cars, displays that are everywhere, automated door greeters at retail -- will eventually come true. There is already evidence that this is occurring. If those things are becoming a reality, it's not a stretch to think that the unusual smartphones featured in Robot & Frank may not be far behind. In that film, Frank (played by Frank Langella) uses a transparent smartphone with visuals that are not unlike the ones being introduced in iOS 7. Disclosure: At the time of this writing, Louis Bedigian had no position in the equities mentioned in this report. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ