Google is testing the return of a popular shortcut in the Pixel Launcher.
Google could be conducting an a/b test to determine whether it will bring back a Pixel Launcher app search shortcut.
Some Pixel owners on Reddit have noticed a returning shortcut. With this function, when an app's name is entered in the Pixel Launcher's search, the app name is highlighted, and "open" is shown next to it. The magnifying glass icon at the bottom right changes to an arrow/enter button. Instead of searching, tapping it opens the app.
Some Pixel owners on Reddit have noticed a returning shortcut. With this function, when an app's name is entered in the Pixel Launcher's search, the app name is highlighted, and "open" is shown next to it. The magnifying glass icon at the bottom right changes to an arrow/enter button. Instead of searching, tapping it opens the app.
Some Pixel owners on Reddit have noticed a returning shortcut. With this function, when an app's name is entered in the Pixel Launcher's search, the app name is highlighted, and "open" is shown next to it. The magnifying glass icon at the bottom right changes to an arrow/enter button. Instead of searching, tapping it opens the app.
Some Pixel owners on Reddit have noticed a returning shortcut. With this function, when an app's name is entered in the Pixel Launcher's search, the app name is highlighted, and "open" is shown next to it. The magnifying glass icon at the bottom right changes to an arrow/enter button. Instead of searching, tapping it opens the app.
Some Pixel owners on Reddit have noticed a returning shortcut. With this function, when an app's name is entered in the Pixel Launcher's search, the app name is highlighted, and "open" is shown next to it. The magnifying glass icon at the bottom right changes to an arrow/enter button. Instead of searching, tapping it opens the app.
While this may seem minor, it saves moving a finger from the bottom right to tap an icon near the top to open the app. Using the shortcut, one can slide a finger from the keyboard to the arrow on the right. While it may not be a major life improvement, it may make swiping feel better.
This was the Pixel Launcher's functionality before Android 13 QPR1. After its removal, Google considered restoring it in 2023, but the shortcut was shelved after testing, until recently.
Currently, Google is running a limited test. The feature isn't on a Pixel 6 Pro running the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta. Most Pixel users contacted haven't seen this Pixel Launcher shortcut on their devices.
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