Google Tests New Segmented Pixel Launcher Search Bar with AI Mode Integration in Android 16 Beta

Google tests new segmented Pixel Launcher search bar design in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta

It features a smaller search bar with a round AI mode button to the right, like the recently released search bar home screen widget. Google has given the Pixel Launcher's search bar a new look in Android 16 QPR1 beta 2. It now resembles the updated search bar home screen widget that rolled out to some users last month, featuring a separate AI Mode shortcut on the right. User reports on Telegram and Reddit suggest that the Pixel Launcher's new search bar design is rolling out to users with the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta update, but it's not widely available yet. Instead of placing the AI Mode button within the search bar, as we showcased in a recent teardown, this new design shrinks the old search bar and places a round AI Mode button to the right. The smaller search bar and AI Mode button are encapsulated in a larger pill with a contrasting background. This Pixel Launcher search bar redesign brings it in line with the updated search bar home screen widget for a more cohesive look. However, Google has yet to implement this segmented design to the search bar at the top of the app drawer. The company could make further changes before the Android 16 QPR1 update hits the stable channel later this year, and we'll update this post as soon as we have additional details.

Google is cramming another icon into the Pixel Launcher's search bar

Google's AI Mode rolls out nationwide with powerful new tools on the way Summary Google is integrating a new AI Mode shortcut directly into the Pixel Launcher's prominent home screen search bar, making it a permanent fixture for many users. AI Mode, powered by a specialized Gemini 2.0, aims to transform Google Search into a more conversational and nuanced experience, offering detailed answers and follow-up questions. While a similar shortcut in the Google app allows for customization or removal, the Pixel Launcher's version appears to be non-negotiable for those updating to Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1, with its availability in the eventual stable Android 16 rollout still unconfirmed. The Pixel Launcher's prominent Google Search bar is more than just a simple widget -- it's an omnipresent part of the Pixel home screen experience. The Search bar is the first thing you see when you unlock your shiny Pixel, with the tool retaining its accessible bottom position on each page of the home screen, and at the top of the app drawer. Albeit similar to the Google app's Search widget, the Pixel Launcher's Search bar sets itself apart by offering dynamic theming to match the icons on your home screen, paired with a slightly less cluttered experience. The latter, however, could soon change. Related Google Pixel Launcher explained: Everything you need to know about the custom UI for Pixel-branded phones and tablets The fan-favorite pure Android experience Posts For reference, the launcher's Search bar highlighted only the G (Google) logo, and the voice search mic icon for the longest time. That changed in September 2021 with the introduction of a dedicated Google Lens icon. Fast-forward to now, and the launcher's Search bar has retained the same look. The prime location makes the Search bar a very valuable piece of digital real estate -- something that Google intends to leverage to push its new AI Mode search experience. From the Google app's Search widget to the Pixel launcher's Search bar Related Google Search gets a new AI Mode built on a bespoke Gemini 2.0 version Page 2 search results are about to see a lot less action Posts 2 For those unaware, AI Mode, powered by a bespoke version of Gemini 2.0, is a new Google Search tool. It aims to 'upgrade' the Google Search experience using Gemini, surfacing relevant information from all over the web to answer your queries. It also gives users the option to ask follow-up questions, essentially allowing you to gain information in a nuanced and conversational manner. For reference, a dedicated AI Mode shortcut began making its way to the Google app's Search widget in May. There, however, users have the option to swap out the shortcut with other tools, including the likes of Weather, Translate, News, Finance, Song Search, and more. Alternatively, users also have the option to get rid of the shortcut altogether to avoid a cluttered search bar experience. Close As highlighted by Android Authority, the same shortcut is now making its way to the launcher's Search bar, and we can confirm that updating to Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1 should give you access to it. Those who find the new AI search mode useful would be glad to see a shortcut for it on their Pixel device's home screen. Those who'd prefer to avoid it really have no other choice but to accept its permanent inclusion. The new AI search mode was enabled on an opt-in basis when it was first revealed. At I/O, it began rolling out widely, and, for now, there seems to be no way to definitively disable it. It isn't entirely clear if the shortcut will make its way to stable Android 16 users when the OS rolls out this month. Related Google's AI Mode rolls out nationwide with powerful new tools on the way AI Overviews will get better too Posts

Google tests a new Pixel Launcher search bar, but it's still missing the feature you want

With Android 16 Beta 1.1, Google made a change that might sit well with some, while it may make the home-screen experience feel more crammed for others. The tech giant began rolling out a dedicated AI Mode shortcut for the Pixel Launcher's coveted search bar last week, and it looks like it now wants to put more emphasis on it. Related Google is cramming another icon into the Pixel Launcher's search bar AI Mode is hijacking prime digital real estate Posts 4 For reference, the Pixel Launcher has long maintained the same two-shortcut look. Google Lens and voice search have been the only two icons on the Launcher's search bar since September 2021, in addition to the 'G' logo to the side. Google changed that last week with the introduction of an AI Mode shortcut, giving the Pixel Launcher a look similar to the Google app's search widget. Now, the 'widget-ifcation' of the Launcher's search bar continues. Early in May, Google was spotted rolling out a new look for the Google app's search widget in beta -- one that gives the chosen shortcut its own segmented section to the side. The same look is now making its way to the Pixel Launcher's search bar. No swapping allowed here Source: Reddit user jairthebear The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 went live yesterday, and for some users, it brings a segmented Pixel Launcher search bar. This isn't the case for us (yet), but users on Reddit and Telegram suggest otherwise (via Android Authority). Instead of integrating the AI Mode button directly within the search bar (as seen earlier), the new design gives the tool its own circular section to the side. The search bar itself is situated within a wider pill that appears to be dynamically themed. While the same implementation on the Google app's widget allows you to swap out the shortcut for alternatives like Weather, Translate, News, Finance, Song Search, and more, or remove the shortcut altogether, the Pixel Launcher's implementation offers no such options. For what it's worth, the Google app's redesigned search bar widget is still in beta, though it will likely be rolled out in stable via an app update in the near future. The Pixel Launcher search bar's implementation, on the other hand, isn't expected to land before September. Related Google's new Search widget puts more emphasis on your custom shortcut With a new layout and new custom shortcut options Posts

Android 16 QPR1 Beta redesigns the Pixel Launcher search bar, adds AI Mode

With Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, the Pixel Launcher search bar is getting a redesign to match the Google app's updated homescreen widget. This redesign basically shrinks the old search bar (with the 'G' logo, voice search microphone, and Google Lens shortcut) to make room for an AI Mode icon at the right. This magnifying glass with sparkle is in the four Google colors. Everything is placed in a container, with the search bar and circular button featuring a darker background. This new design does not appear at the top of the app launcher. Google app widget at the top, Pixel Launcher below Since AI Mode is not yet widely available, I expect Google to offer a version of this redesign that just places the search bar in a container. Meanwhile, compared to the Search bar widget from the Google app, there is currently no way to disable or change the shortcut. The Google app offers Translate (text), Song Search, Weather, Translate (camera), Sports, Dictionary, Homework, Finance, Saved, and News. So far, we're just seeing this Pixel Launcher search bar redesign on one device running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 after a server-side update. The new gradient G logo immediately rolled out yesterday.

Pixel Launcher starts rolling out AI Mode shortcut for Google Search bar

Pixel owners are getting quick access to AI Mode via the Google Search bar that's built into the Pixel Launcher. AI Mode is Google's next big evolution of Search, with answers sourced from the web, but generated by Gemini models. Google opened the feature to all US users last month. Now, AI Mode is coming to the Pixel Launcher. Google has quietly started rolling out an AI Mode shortcut in the search bar that appears at the bottom of the Pixel Launcher. This is alongside shortcuts for voice search and Google Lens, while the majority of the bar still goes to traditional Google Search. Max Weinbach, an occasional 9to5Google contributor, spotted the change on his Pixel. Reports on the rollout are otherwise quite limited so far, with very few other users seeing the change live on their end so far. We've not yet seen the change on our devices, but we'll keep an eye out for a wider rollout. If you don't have this shortcut yet, you can still access AI Mode through traditional Google Search, it just takes an extra tap after the search has begun.