Google loves creating new apps and services, but it seems to enjoy finding creative ways to make them more accessible even more. When the company wants to promote a feature, you can bet shortcuts will start popping up all over your Android device, making sure you’re never more than a couple of taps away.
Last year, we got an early glimpse of Google’s efforts to introduce new shortcuts in the Google Search home screen widget. Now, with the recent release of the 16.3.34 build of the Google Android app, these shortcuts are finally rolling out for everyone, as spotted by 9to5Google.
Back in September, Google began testing a feature allowing users to customize their 4×1 Google Search widget. This is the widget you can manually add to your home screen, not the search bar at the bottom of your launcher. The idea was to give users the option to add shortcuts for quick access to tools like translation or weather updates. Initially, some designs showed these shortcuts as separate icons next to the widget’s search bar, while others integrated them directly into the bar.
With the latest update, the integrated design has made its debut. Users can now choose from eight handy shortcuts:
You can also opt to skip adding any new shortcuts and stick with the existing voice search and Google Lens icons.
Alongside the shortcuts, Google has also added easy-to-use color sliders for customizing the widget’s appearance, a feature it previewed last fall. This makes it even easier to personalize your home screen while keeping your favorite tools just a tap away.
These updates make the Google Search widget more functional and user-friendly, giving Android users quick access to essential tools they use daily. If you haven’t already, check out the new shortcuts and see how they can simplify your Google experience!
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