Google’s new Search widget puts more emphasis on your custom shortcut

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Introduction:

The news topic “Google’s new Search widget puts more emphasis on your custom shortcut” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.

Quick Summary:

• Google is rolling out a redesigned Search widget for the Google app on Android. The update, currently in beta (version 16.17.38), gives the customizable shortcut a more prominent circular placement on the right side of the widget. The new widget design requires a minimum width of 4×1 to display all elements, and the rollout appears to be a server-side switch, not solely tied to the app update. Meanwhile, the update also unlocks access to new shortcuts, including AI Mode, Saved, and News, bringing the total number of available shortcuts to eleven. The feature had been in active development since September 2024 at the very least, and is now widely available to users, bringing quick access to commonly-used tools like Translate, Song search, Weather, and more. It’s unclear if the update will be rolled out to all Android devices.
• The latest Google app update (version 16.17) introduces a new look to the Search bar widget. The custom shortcut button has been removed from the search bar and placed adjacent to the bar as it’s own standalone button. The Search bar is now encapsulated in another elongated pill, which is also more noticeable when you adjust the transparency slider. The “G” logo is still on the left, but now the Searchbar itself only has the voice input and Google Lens buttons on the right. It appears that some of these changes are now beginning to roll out to more users, according to 9to5Google. The latest version of the Google app is rolling out to users around the world starting today, and the update is expected to be available to all users by the end of the week or the beginning of the month. For more information, visit Google’s official site.
• Google has begun rolling out Gemini home screen widgets for both Android and iOS. The widgets let users access Gemini AI features with a single tap. Google released very similar Gemini widgets a couple of months ago for the iPhone lockscreen. Though functionally very similar, they are technically a different form of widget.. Google is gradually rolling out the widgets to users. The rollout is happening gradually but widely. The update isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but it speaks to the way a lot of people might use Gemini for short activities or tasks but don’t want to immerse themselves in it more than necessary. The fact that it is also closer to how Siri and the rapidly dissolving Google Assistant function is probably not a coincidence. The widget is available on Android 10 and higher and on iOS 17 and up. It is customizable and allows users to prioritize their most-used Gemini actions.

Country-by-Country Breakdown:

Original Coverage

Google is rolling out a redesigned Search widget for the Google app on Android. The update, currently in beta (version 16.17.38), gives the customizable shortcut a more prominent circular placement on the right side of the widget. The new widget design requires a minimum width of 4×1 to display all elements, and the rollout appears to be a server-side switch, not solely tied to the app update. Meanwhile, the update also unlocks access to new shortcuts, including AI Mode, Saved, and News, bringing the total number of available shortcuts to eleven. The feature had been in active development since September 2024 at the very least, and is now widely available to users, bringing quick access to commonly-used tools like Translate, Song search, Weather, and more. It’s unclear if the update will be rolled out to all Android devices. Read full article

Google is giving the Search bar on your phone a much-needed facelift

The latest Google app update (version 16.17) introduces a new look to the Search bar widget. The custom shortcut button has been removed from the search bar and placed adjacent to the bar as it’s own standalone button. The Search bar is now encapsulated in another elongated pill, which is also more noticeable when you adjust the transparency slider. The “G” logo is still on the left, but now the Searchbar itself only has the voice input and Google Lens buttons on the right. It appears that some of these changes are now beginning to roll out to more users, according to 9to5Google. The latest version of the Google app is rolling out to users around the world starting today, and the update is expected to be available to all users by the end of the week or the beginning of the month. For more information, visit Google’s official site. Read full article

You can put Google Gemini right on your smartphone home screen – here’s how

Google has begun rolling out Gemini home screen widgets for both Android and iOS. The widgets let users access Gemini AI features with a single tap. Google released very similar Gemini widgets a couple of months ago for the iPhone lockscreen. Though functionally very similar, they are technically a different form of widget.. Google is gradually rolling out the widgets to users. The rollout is happening gradually but widely. The update isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but it speaks to the way a lot of people might use Gemini for short activities or tasks but don’t want to immerse themselves in it more than necessary. The fact that it is also closer to how Siri and the rapidly dissolving Google Assistant function is probably not a coincidence. The widget is available on Android 10 and higher and on iOS 17 and up. It is customizable and allows users to prioritize their most-used Gemini actions. Read full article

The Google Search widget now lets you jump straight into AI Mode queries

An upcoming AI Mode optional shortcut in the Google Search widget offers easier access to conversational deep analysis from Gemini. This brings the shortcut selection to 11 options and eliminates an annoying step for frequent AI Mode users. Google also continues to refine AI Mode with streamlined layout changes to the app and desktop web interfaces. Even iOS has gotten a decent amount of Gemini love, although its version of the Gemini app doesn’t yet fully integrate AI Mode conversations. It isn’t some kind of massive overhaul. But if you’re already using AI Mode, it eliminates one annoying step.Google also surely hopes the change will encourage users to take advantage of the tool more often. After all, testing new features is the main point of Search Labs. It’s a meaningful change for Gemini users. It reduces friction and increasing efficiency. Google’s latest update lets you select AI Mode as your Search shortcut and access it directly via the widget. Read full article

How to Supercharge Your Google Search Widget with Shortcuts

Most Android phones come with the Google search widget pre-installed on the home screen, while iPhone users can add the widget by installing the Google app. A recent Google app update takes it to the next level. Now you can add custom shortcuts for a more personalized experience. Here’s how to unlock this new feature on Android and iPhone. The first one is not customizable. You’ll need to opt for the second one which has a shortcut icon for accessing Incognito mode. Check these iPhone widgets you should definitely try out. The second one has the options available and pick the one you need. These are the available shortcuts:Translate (text) – opens up a Google Translate box in search. Song Search – allows you to identify songs that are playing in your environment. The third one is for accessing the search function in the search bar by tapping on the icon. Read full article

Google calls on Android devs to up their widget game now that One UI 7 is out

Google is heavily promoting widgets, with plans for widget search filters, a curated Play Store page, and expanded lock screen widgets in Android 16. The push aligns with One UI 7’s release, aiming to make widgets a bigger part of the entire Android experience. Google is also playing its part by making it easier to spot apps that offer a widget experience, which, per the company, gives developers increased app visibility. The Mountain View tech giant believes that all these factors have brought a perfect opportunity for third-party developers to enhance their app experience on Android through widgets. It thinks now is the right time for developers to improve their app experiences on the mobile operating system, according to a blog post by Google’s Android Developers team. The blog post also points out that users tend to engage more with widgets because they offer easy access to app content and features. Read full article

This Trick Makes Your Google Search Widget Even More Useful

Google offers the ability to add a new shortcut to the Search widget on devices using version 16.3.34 or newer of the Google app. To use it, tap the shortcut button—the third button from the right. Depending on the action you’ve assigned to this button, it’ll take you to the appropriate screen, where you can view information or perform an action appropriately. If you wish to remove the button at any point, you can do so by going back to the Customize Search widget page and tap None. The Google Search widget gives you quick access to Google’s Search feature and your Discover feed, along with Voice Search and Google Lens functionality. It also gives you access to the Google Search app’s search function and the Google Lens app’s augmented reality feature, which lets you search with your phone’s camera and see what other people are looking at at the same time. Read full article

Google will soon let you access its new AI search mode right from your Pixel’s home screen

Google is working on a new shortcut for the Pixel Launcher’s search bar that opens the new AI Mode in Google Search. The shortcut will reside to the left of the microphone and Lens icons. The feature is apparently powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.0 with “advanced reasoning and thinking capabilities” The feature will allow you to ask follow-up questions, so you can request that Google bring up more information or expand upon part of its answer. It is currently being tested internally by employees, and thanks to a leak, we have an idea about how it will work. It seems that there�s going to be a newAI Mode chip up top next to Search’S usual Image, News, Shopping, etc. filters. Clicking it launches an interface where an AI-generated answer replaces the usual results. Some relevant links are still shown off to the side. Read full article

Global Perspectives Summary:

Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.

How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.

Sources:

• Original Article
• Google is giving the Search bar on your phone a much-needed facelift
• You can put Google Gemini right on your smartphone home screen – here’s how
• The Google Search widget now lets you jump straight into AI Mode queries
• How to Supercharge Your Google Search Widget with Shortcuts
• Google calls on Android devs to up their widget game now that One UI 7 is out
• This Trick Makes Your Google Search Widget Even More Useful
• Google will soon let you access its new AI search mode right from your Pixel’s home screen

Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/google-app-widget-refresh/