Google has recently unveiled fresh designs for the search bar on the beta version of the Google Chrome app for Android. These changes are aimed at optimizing user experience and promoting the integration of AI Mode, a feature introduced at Google I/O to enhance search efficiency. To achieve this, Google is experimenting with different layouts for the search bar to strategically place the AI Mode shortcut within users' reach.
One of the new designs discovered by Mishaal Rahman involves moving the Lens shortcut and voice search icons from the search bar to below it. This enables Google to introduce a dedicated shortcut icon for AI Mode directly into the search bar, ensuring prominent visibility for Chrome users. In addition, the iconic "G" logo has been repositioned on the left side of the search bar, while the text inside now reads "Search Google or type URL."
Another variant being tested features an additional shortcut for incognito mode alongside the voice search and Lens icons under the search bar. This design also eliminates the "G" logo from the bar and retains the original text. Through these design iterations, Google aims to enhance user engagement with AI Mode and reinforce its search ecosystem against emerging AI-driven competitors.
While these redesigned search bars are currently exclusive to beta version 139.0.7258.32 of the Chrome app for Android, they signify Google's ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to evolving user preferences. As these changes are rolled out, users can expect a more streamlined and intuitive search experience on their mobile devices.
