Google has introduced a new feature for its Search widget on Android, allowing users to set a custom shortcut.
This update, available with Google app version 16.3.34, offers more customization and quick access to key features.
How to Set a Shortcut
If you have the Google Search widget on your home screen, follow these steps:
- Open the Google app.
- Go to Settings > Customize Search widget.
- In addition to Theme and Transparency, you will now see a Shortcuts option.
- Choose from nine shortcut options:
- None: Keep only voice search and Google Lens.
- Translate (text)
- Song Search
- Weather
- Translate (camera) (Google Lens)
- Sports
- Dictionary
- Homework (Google Lens)
- Finance
How It Works
The shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera in a 3×1 widget. In a 2×1 widget, you will only see the ‘G’ icon and Lens.
Most shortcuts open a Google Search results page, while others like Lens and Song Search launch directly.
Who Gets It?
This feature is rolling out widely to all Android devices, including Pixel and non-Pixel phones and tablets.
This small quality-of-life update makes accessing frequently used tools faster and more convenient for Android users.