Google is known to test its apps every now and then with new features and design layout. Sometimes it’s Play Store, sometimes it’s Gmail, and sometimes, it’s the Search app. Well, Google is now seemingly testing the Pixel Launcher as well with a new design for the Google Search Bar on the homescreen.
The Pixel Launcher, which as of now, is exclusively available on the Pixel and Pixel XL, has a design different than the Google Now Launcher (GNL) which is found on the Nexus devices. The Pixel Launcher doesn’t have an app drawer icon, and instead, you have to swipe up from the bottom of the homescreen to open the app drawer. Similarly, the Pixel Launcher also doesn’t come with a Google Search Bar on the homescreen, instead, it comes with G button which opens the Google search upon being pressed.
Well, it seems Google is testing the Pixel Launcher with a new design for the Google Search Bar. Some users are reportedly seeing a Google Search Bar on the Pixel homescreens instead of Google’s G tab. The Search Bar that has popped up on their devices is not like the one found on the Nexus devices, however, it is rounded on the corners as opposed to the rectangular look of the bar on Nexus devices.
Besides, the weather and date widget have also been removed from the homescreen now. The Reddit user who is seeing this redesigned search bar on his Pixel also mentioned that there’s no change in the functionality from the old search tab. You just tap on the new search bar and start searching. Moreover, the user also mentioned that he got this redesigned search bar after he flashed his Pixel running Android 7.1.2 Nougat beta with Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Also, some users are reporting that they got this redesigned search bar on their Pixels after they cleared the data of the Pixel Launcher. However, this only worked for some and not all were able to make a switch to the redesigned search bar with this trick on their Pixel.
By the way, which one do you like the most? The Google G tab or the Google Search Bar?
Image Credit: Android Police
