As work on AI Mode continues, Google is adding a prominent shortcut for it on Android, while a sleek header redesign is being tested.
Instead of having to open the Google app for AI Mode or perform a search and then switch to the new tab, the Search bar widget now lets you choose AI Mode as the optional shortcut. The icon is the magnifying glass badged with a sparkle.
In fact, it will be set by default if you have AI Mode enabled on your account. It overrides what you previously had, but users can return to their old one at any time. The full Shortcuts list is now: None, AI Mode, Translate (text), Song Search, Weather, Translate (camera), Sports, Dictionary, Homework, Finance, Saved, and News.
The Google app on iOS has offered an AI Mode shortcut for a few weeks now, with the shortcut appearing on Android via a server-side update on version 16.16 (latest beta). A tap simply opens the AI Mode homepage, which might be getting a redesign.
Android vs. iOS
Since launch, the main change Google made to the AI Mode interface is adding a button to quickly start a new message when you’re already in a conversation. The history icon was also updated to be a circle and more distinct.
Google is now testing a new top bar on Android that moves those buttons to the right. The centered Google logo has been replaced by a multi-color ‘G’ at the left for a cleaner, less cramped look.
L-R: Original, mid-April, testing
This UI looks particularly interesting on desktop web, with Google adding what’s basically a navigation rail with the company logo, history, and new chat. It decidedly looks less like the regular Search experience.
This is not yet widely rolled out on all accounts, while Google is also testing a third look that does away with the fullscreen homepage entirely.
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