In a notable enhancement for Android users, the Google app has introduced a feature that allows for the customization of shortcuts within the Search widget. This update, which follows a testing phase from the previous year, is now available to users and promises to streamline the search experience.
To access this new functionality, users need to navigate to the Google app settings and select “Customize Search widget.” Here, they will find options to adjust the theme—ranging from System, Light, Dark, Device, or Custom—as well as transparency settings. The standout addition is the “Shortcuts” feature, which presents users with nine distinct options:
- None: Stick to just voice search and Google Lens
- Translate (text)
- Song Search
- Weather
- Translate (camera): Google Lens
- Sports
- Dictionary
- Homework: Lens
- Finance
The new shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera icons, maintaining a clean 3×1 layout. In a more compact 2×1 view, users will see only the ‘G’ icon, which directs them to the Home/Discover feed, alongside Google Lens. While the shortcut icon is simply white and lacks thematic customization, it serves a practical purpose. Most shortcuts lead directly to a Search results page, with specific options like Weather opening its dedicated app, while others, such as Song Search and Google Lens, provide immediate access to those features.
This update is particularly beneficial for users on non-Pixel devices, although it is also available for Google phones and tablets. The rollout of this Search widget shortcut is part of version 16.3.34 of the Google app, which has been made widely accessible in the stable channel this morning.
