What you need to know
- Pixel Launcher can be more useful for searching multiple apps other than the Google app.
- Google has been seen working on search shortcuts to Google Maps, Google Play, Settings and YouTube.
- If the launcher is unable to retrieve results from these apps, it will return to Google Search.
The Pixel Launcher search feature already allows you to search for items directly in the Google app. Google may be working to extend this level of integration to other apps.
According to a deardown from 9to5Google, the launcher can download search integration for Google Maps, YouTube, Play Store and Settings. This feature was discovered in a newer version of the Android System Intelligence app, which controls the launcher’s integrations.
However, there is no word on when the new search experience will be available on Google’s best Android phones, including the Pixel 6 series. There is even a chance that it will not become a final release at all, as is sometimes the case with experimental features.
That said, when it’s released to the public, the Pixel Launcher should include search shortcuts to the aforementioned apps. This means that if you type a text query into the search box and then tap an app shortcut of your choice, the launcher will most likely pass on your exact query to the corresponding app.
It should make the launcher’s search feature much more useful when paired with Pixel Launcher’s ability to retrieve widgets, saved screenshots, and Google search suggestions in the search bar.
It’s still unclear when Google will formally announce the feature, if ever. It could make its debut on Google I / O 2022, which is just around the corner. The search giant may also release it in a future Feature Drop. It’s someone’s guess at this point.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Google Pixel 6 Pro has one of the best cameras on a smartphone, thanks to its new 50MP primary sensor and Google’s Tensor chip, which works in the background to improve image quality. This is most likely the phone for you if you are a parent.