Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Google is swapping the search UI on Pixel phones with a more generic one.
- It now uses the same search interface as on every other Android device.
- Google says the change enables quicker access to AI Mode.
For a long time, the unique search interface has been a characteristic part of the Pixel experience. Instead of launching the Google app, as it does on other Android devices, tapping the search bar on Pixel phones has traditionally opened a unique search overlay that also enables searching for apps, local files, and contacts, and offers a shortcut to search the web in a relatively modern interface.
Unfortunately, if you liked that interface, you’d be disheartened to know it is going away. Instead of the unique interface, Google is replacing it with the search screen we’re used to seeing on other non-Pixel devices.