Key Highlights
- Hidden settings discovered in the beta suggest users will eventually be able to select third-party search providers like DuckDuckGo.
- These changes, including potential updates to the Discover screen, are likely influenced by antitrust regulations.
- Android 17 Beta 1 brought custom shortcuts to the Pixel Launcher search bar, but there are more changes under the surface, along with an important clarification.
- With this new beta, the Pixel Launcher’s search bar appears similar to the Google widget, but as app developer Kieron Quinn clarifies on Bluesky, it is actually the Google widget itself.
- If you want to revert to the old Pixel Launcher search bar design instead of the Google widget search bar design, you’re out of luck, as methods to revert no longer work.
