Android 17 Beta 1 reveals a surprising secret about the Pixel Launcher search bar
Source: Android Authority
Joe Maring / Android Authority
TL;DR
- The Pixel Launcher search bar in Android 17 Beta 1 is now the Google widget.
- 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.
Pixel Launcher search bar becomes the Google widget
Android 17 Beta 1 introduced custom shortcuts to the Pixel Launcher search bar. With this beta, the search bar looks identical to the Google widget, and, as developer Kieron Quinn clarified on Bluesky, it is the Google widget itself.
Note: Methods that previously allowed reverting to the older Pixel Launcher search bar design no longer work.
Hidden “Search settings” option
Long‑pressing the widget still opens Widget settings, where the AI Mode shortcut can be customized. Quinn discovered an additional hidden Search settings entry that lets users choose a search provider for the search box.
Enabling third‑party providers
By toggling this hidden option, the following providers appeared in the search box:
- DuckDuckGo
- Mozilla Firefox
- Chrome
- Pixel Search (a more customizable version of the older Pixel Launcher search box)
- Google Maps (not pictured)
Any app can act as a search provider, provided its first widget does not launch a configuration UI before being placed on the home screen.
Impact on the “minus one” Discover screen
The same setting also controls which app appears on the minus‑one Discover screen. To date, Google has only approved the Google app for that slot.
Why these changes matter
- User demand: Long‑standing requests to change the search box are finally being addressed.
- Regulatory pressure: Antitrust considerations appear to be pushing Google to allow alternative search providers on the home screen and possibly on Discover cards in certain regions.
Outlook
It remains uncertain whether all of these modifications will survive to the final stable Android 17 release, as the platform is still in beta. Keep an eye on future updates for confirmation.
Android 17 Beta 1 rollout details | Custom shortcuts overview
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