Google has rolled out an AI Mode shortcut for its Search widget on Android devices, allowing users to directly access the AI-powered search interface from their home screen. The feature, which was previously limited to Pixel devices through the Pixel Launcher, now extends to any Android device running Google app version 16.28, making AI Mode more accessible across Google’s broader ecosystem.
What you should know: The AI Mode widget shortcut appears as a dedicated circle to the right of the voice microphone and Google Lens icons in Google’s latest widget redesign.
- Users can customize the widget by long-pressing it on their home screen to access settings with Theme and Transparency options.
- The shortcut is found under the “Shortcuts” section, listed as the second option after “None” in the grid.
- For non-Pixel device users, this Google widget represents the fastest way to launch AI Mode directly from the home screen.
The rollout timeline: Widget access for AI Mode first appeared in April 2024 for some Google app beta users but experienced inconsistent availability.
- The feature went through several cycles of appearing and disappearing randomly for beta testers.
- Over the past few days, Google has widely rolled out the AI Mode widget shortcut for both beta and stable users.
- The rollout coincides with Google app version 16.28 becoming available.
Design differences: Users who aren’t part of the “AI Mode” Search Lab will see a different interface design.
- Non-participants still see the old design in the top portion of the Google app.
- For these users, the AI Mode shortcut appears as a pill in the colorful carousel underneath the Search bar rather than being integrated into it.
- Google suggests enrolling in the Search Lab for access to the sleeker design, which is also available when scrolling the Discover feed and testing Search Live.
Why this matters: The broader rollout signals Google’s commitment to making its AI search capabilities more accessible across Android devices, potentially driving increased adoption of AI Mode, which already boasts 100 million monthly users according to recent company data.
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