In December, Pixel Launcher search was changed by the Google app. The Android 16 QPR3 March replace compounds this design regression by eradicating the M3 Expressive search bar from the homescreen.
Final 12 months, the search bar on the backside of the Pixel Launcher was up to date with Materials 3 Expressive. The ‘G’ emblem, microphone, and Lens had been positioned in a container, whereas the AI Mode shortcut appeared in a circle to the proper. All the things was then housed in a capsule that supplied a lighter background.
This redesign is now gone as of Android 16 QPR3, with the previous search bar design returning. All the things is positioned in a single container, with AI Mode showing to the left of the microphone. Having three icons side-by-side appears and feels cluttered. The redesign’s separation was the most effective points.
Outdated vs. new
One practical advantage of this variation is how one can long-press on the search bar to customise the AI Mode shortcut. Now you can set it to: Reside, Translate (textual content), Music Search, Climate, Translate (digital camera), Sports activities, Dictionary, Homework, Finance, Saved, and Information. Like earlier than, there’s the flexibility to disable the shortcut solely.
As such, this bar matches the Google app’s Search homescreen widget, which at one level was up to date with the redesign.
With this design regression and the lack of Pixel Launcher search (to permit for extra AI Mode integration), it’s clear that the bar on the backside of the Pixel Launcher homescreen is now owned by the Google app, very like on different Android telephones.
This modification first appeared with Android 17 Beta 1, however was reverted by Beta 2. Nevertheless, the actual fact it’s stay in Android 16 QPR3 suggests this variation is right here to remain.
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