Google tests new looks for the search bar on the Chrome app for Android
The current Chrome search bar on the left and one of the new looks being tested on the right. | Image credit-Android Authority
Google did this so it could move a shortcut icon for AI Mode right into the search bar, putting it right in the front of Chrome users. It's the digital equivalent of following that old real estate idiom, "Location, Location, Location." Additionally, the old "G" logo is placed on the left of the search bar, and the old "Search or type URL" phrase written in the search bar is replaced with "Search Google or type URL."
Another alternative search bar design being tested to put the AI Mode shortcut right in front of the user. | Image credit-Android Authority
Google also tested another look for the Chrome search bar. On this variant of the design being tested, the Google Lens and voice search shortcut icons found under the search bar had another shortcut added, this one for incognito mode. You might call this the "Heisenberg" icon for its resemblance to Walter White in Breaking Bad . In this version, the "G" logo is absent from the search bar, and the wording used inside the bar is the previously used text. Both different looks for the Chrome search bar were found in beta version 139.0.7258.32 of the Chrome browser for Android. Neither search bar being tested with an AI Mode shortcut appears on my Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3. In my case, I'm only running version 138 of the Chrome app which explains why I'm not seeing the search bars being tested by Google.
Eventually, Google will replace the current search bar on the Chrome app for Android since whichever new one it selects should drive more users to AI Mode and help Google defend its search bar business from getting attacked by what the company sees as AI interlopers.
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