Google Search widget redesign simplifies customization, adds dynamic color

Google has redesigned its Search widget, reducing customization options but adding a new feature called Dynamic Color.

Previous Customization Options: Before, users could personalize the Google Search widget by adjusting several aspects:

• Logo: Choose between “Google” text or a multicolored ‘G.’
• Shape: Select from a rectangle with sharp corners, rounded corners, or a pill shape.
• Color: Pick a dark background with colorful icons, light with gray, black with white, or customize using hue and saturation sliders.
• Shading: Adjust transparency from see-through to solid.

To access these settings, users needed to place the widget on the home screen, then navigate to Google app settings under profile > Settings > Search widget > Customize widget.

New Customization Approach: The updated customization method is still accessed through the Google app settings but offers fewer options:

• Color Themes: Choose from Light or Dark backgrounds, with System set as the default.
• Dynamic Color: This feature matches the widget’s color to the device theme, previously available only on the Pixel Launcher search bar with Themed icons enabled.

Additionally, there is a Transparency slider and an “Undo” button to reset changes. Users can tap “Add” to place the widget on their home screen.

Current Availability: This redesign is currently available on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices with the Google app beta version 15.30.x. It has not yet been widely rolled out.

Google’s streamlined approach seems aimed at maintaining brand consistency while providing a simple, user-friendly customization experience.

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