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Google testing revised Pixel launcher that features one change to the search bar

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By Alan Friedman

Published: Aug 19, 2018, 12:40 PM

New version of Pixel launcher replaces the microphone icon with the icon for Google Assistant

Google is apparently considering a new version of the Pixel launcher that will presumably debut on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. XDA has obtained a version of the launcher that is reportedly being tested. The big change is found in the Google Search bar, where the microphone icon on the right is replaced with the now familiar Google Assistant icon. Interestingly, even if you change your default assistant from Google Assistant to Alexa, the Assistant icon remains.

The version of the launcher that is being tested by Google (seen in the screenshot at right) is 9-4889482. The current, publicly available version of the Pixel launcher available online is 9-4836503. The revised launcher APK was taken from the official Android Pie image for Android Studio Emulator. However, Google signed it using a different signing key than the one it used on the publicly available version of Pixel launcher. That means that if you come across the new APK and decide to sideload it on your device, the new launcher will not install over the current launcher used on your handset.

When the Pixel 2 XL launched last October with an aspect ratio of 18:9, Google decided to move the search bar to the bottom of the screen. The rainbow-colored "G" insignia was found on the left of the search bar with the microphone icon on right.

source: XDA

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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

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