Google is testing a new search app layout for Android handsets that will make it much easier to use the device with one hand. As smartphone screens become larger, many app developers have begun to shift user interface features such as tabs, search bars, and menu buttons to the bottom of the screen. Google has apparently placed the search bar at the bottom of the screen for some app users as part of a new test.
TheSpAndroid spotted a new test that brings the search bar to the bottom of the screen on Android in version 14.48.26.29.arm64 of the app. The company might relocate the search bar from the top of the screen to the bottom. Screenshots shared by the publication show a significantly taller search bar above the home, search, and saved icons.
The new location of the search bar on Android is supposed to make it much easier to use the Google search app on Android phones – you will be able to start a search bar with your thumb and then tap or slide the keyboard without using your other hand. Users with large smartphone displays may benefit from the adjustment.
It’s worth mentioning that the test is only available to users who have updated to the newest beta version of the app – the most recent stable version is 14.47.36. After updating to the current beta edition via the Play Store, LoudFact was unable to access the new layout, implying that the change is only available to some beta testers.
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Google has not issued an announcement on the improved reachability of the search bar on its Android app, and it is too early to determine whether the change will be rolled out to all users, made optional, or set as the default.
