New shortcut feature for Google Search widget on Android
The Google app on Android now offers a way to add a custom shortcut to your Search widget, making it easier to access your favorite tools directly from your home screen.
If you’ve got the Search widget on your home screen (not to be confused with the Pixel Launcher bar at the bottom), you can go to the Google app settings and click on “Customize Search widget.” Here, you can choose how your widget looks with options like System, Light, Dark, Device, or Custom themes, adjust transparency, and now, select a new shortcut from a list of nine options:
- None: Keeps it simple with just voice search and Google Lens.
- Translate (text): Translate text directly.
- Song Search: Identify songs playing around you.
- Weather: Check the weather without opening another app.
- Translate (camera): Use Google Lens to translate via camera.
- Sports: Quick access to sports updates.
- Dictionary: Look up words instantly.
- Homework: Use Lens to help with school work.
- Finance: Get financial updates at a glance.
The chosen shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera icons on a 3×1 widget setup. On smaller 2×1 widgets, you’ll see just the ‘G’ logo which opens the Discover feed, and the Lens icon. These icons are plain white, not matching any theme.
This feature enhances your experience by providing direct access to useful functions without needing to navigate through menus or apps, especially handy for non-Pixel devices. This update is part of Google app version 16.3.34, which is now available in the stable channel.