Google has consistently prioritized its search functionality in the Android ecosystem, evident in how it’s pre-installed on home screens and remains an irremovable option on Pixel devices. Nevertheless, users are granted a degree of flexibility to alter the search widget to their taste. With the latest update, this customization capability is substantially enhanced by enabling users to integrate shortcuts directly into the widget. Here’s a guide on how you can personalize it.
What’s New in Google Search Widget?
Recent updates from Google have introduced significant improvements to its Search widget, which were initially rolled out during a testing phase. A major enhancement allows the addition of an extra shortcut icon next to the existing ones for Google Lens and microphone functionalities. After thorough testing over recent months, this feature is now becoming available more broadly for beta testers of Google’s app and select public users.
This new feature is not limited just to Pixel owners but also extends to non-Pixel devices like Samsung Galaxy smartphones—I tried it on my Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, for those using Pixel devices, customization options remain unaltered at this time. Anticipation suggests that Google will soon enable straightforward modifications without necessitating a standalone Google Search app.
Available Shortcuts for Your Google Search Widget
The up-to-date version of the Google Search widget presents a search bar flanked by icons for microphone access and Google Lens capabilities. The latest enhancements introduce eight additional shortcut options:
Steps to Add Shortcuts in Your Google Search Widget
If you’ve recently updated your version of the Google app, incorporating shortcuts into your widget is straightforward. Here’s how you can achieve that (illustrated using my experience with a Samsung Galaxy device):
- Add the Google Search widget if it’s not already present on your home screen:
- Long-press anywhere on your home screen and choose Widgets.
- Scroll down until you find “Google.”
- Select the 4×1 format of the Google Search widget.
- Edit your newly added widget:
- Long-press on the widget and tap Settings.
- Select Shortcuts or hit the + icon.
- Pick from available shortcuts then hit Back to save changes.
You also have an option inside Shortcuts menu to reset or eliminate chosen shortcuts; alternatively selecting “None” keeps only default settings intact if that’s preferred. Moreover, resizing width adjustments are possible based upon space requirements throughout one’s homepage layout.
The procedure should be largely similar even when utilizing UI variations found across popular Android skins like One UI developed by Samsung—with minor distinctions possibly appearing regarding access points through which one modifies their main display dashboard settings more seamlessly accessed via intuitive touch feedback mechanisms native therein adapted uniquely toward user needs/preferences designed specifically alongside bespoke aesthetic qualities/services embedded deeply cultivated across brands gaining traction continually validated reinforcing dependable experiences shared globally supporting differentiation necessary nowadays sought after substantively amid increasing competition.”
The Functionality Behind These Shortcuts
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