Android users of all shapes and sizes are used to the Google Search widget appearing on their home screen. Back in the day when Android was starting to make a name for itself and this writer was carrying a Motorola DROID, I thought the Google search widget was cool. Maybe some of you guys and gals felt (and still do) the same. However, it appears that Google is considering some changes to the search widget capabilities and the tech company needs your help.
The Google Search home screen widget is part of the “Mobile Application Distribution Agreement” that Android phone manufacturers sign when they install the Google Mobile Services version of Android on a new model. In some markets, Android users can change the search engine used by the widget.
Google is surveying some Android users about their interest in new features for the Google Search widget
According to Aamir Siddiqui of Android Authority, while setting up a new Android phone, removed the Google Search widget from the home screen, Aamir received a Google Opinion Rewards survey that wanted to know why Siddiqui removed the Google Search widget from the home screen. The survey also asked, on a scale of 1 to 5, with the latter indicating the most interest, what Siddiqui thought about adding several new search features to the widget such as translating text with the camera or using the widget to search for a song.
Other survey questions wanted to know if Aamir wanted a new feature on the widget that would allow him to search app content on his phone (similar to universal search) and use artificial intelligence to help him search from within the widget. Another survey question asked Aamir how interested he was in viewing relevant news articles above the search bar widget on the home screen.
It’s impossible to say whether the survey results will lead to changes in the Google search widget because we don’t know how every Android user will answer the questions. But if changes are made (and we have a feeling they won’t be imminent), the survey could have an impact on how Google “improves” the search widget.
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