Google just made the Search widget a lot less fun

Google has overhauled its Search widget, significantly limiting user customization options. While the new design introduces Dynamic Color compatibility, it strips away many beloved personalization features.

Streamlined Google Search widget redesign

Previously, users could extensively customize the Search widget’s appearance, including background color, icon shapes, and transparency. Customizing involved placing the Google Search widget on the home screen and navigating the settings menu. Options included changing the Bar logo (Google or multicolored “G” logo), Bar shape (rectangle with sharp corners, rounded corners, or pill), Bar color (various themes or custom hues), and Bar shading (from transparent to solid).

With the new redesign, Google simplifies these options. The “Customize Search Widget” option is now accessible from the Google app settings. However, most of the previous customization features are gone, as reported by 9To5Google. Users can now choose from a limited number of color themes, primarily light and dark backgrounds, with the system theme set as the default. The Lens, microphone, and “G” icons are only available in the four-color design.

Introduction of dynamic color

The Dynamic Color option is the most notable addition to the Google Search widget redesign. This feature allows the widget to match the system’s Dynamic Color theme, ensuring a cohesive look across the user interface. This change aligns with Google’s broader design philosophy of creating a more unified and visually appealing user experience.

The transparency slider remains, allowing users to adjust the widget’s transparency on their home screens. An “Undo” button lets users reset the transparency if needed. Once customization is complete, tapping the “Add” button places the widget with the preferred settings on the home screen.

As of now, the updated Search widget customization options are not yet widely rolled out to the public. Google will likely test the new features and gather user feedback before a broader release.

Notably, some users will appreciate the simplified approach and the introduction of Dynamic Color, which enhances the visual consistency of their devices. However, others might miss the extensive customization options allowing a more personalized user experience.

As the redesigned widget rolls out more broadly, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the changes and whether Google makes further adjustments based on feedback.