# **Google’s Search Widget Receives a Handy Update – Except for Pixel Users**
Google is renowned for its search functionality, but over the past few years, it has broadened its scope to include artificial intelligence, advertising, and various digital services. Nonetheless, a recent enhancement to the Google Search widget demonstrates that the company still excels at enhancing its fundamental product in significant ways.
This latest update brings customizable shortcuts to the Search widget, enabling users to swiftly access useful features such as translation, song identification, weather information, and more. However, there’s one major drawback—if you own a Google Pixel device, these enhancements won’t be available to you.
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## **A Minor Yet Impactful Update**
Google has been piloting this update since late 2023, and it is now being rolled out to a wider audience. Unlike many of Google’s more recent modifications, which have heavily emphasized AI integration, this update is a straightforward and practical enhancement.
With this new capability, users can incorporate a personalized shortcut into the Search widget, thereby simplifying the execution of specific tasks. The available shortcuts consist of:
– **Text translation**
– **Camera-based translation**
– **Song identification**
– **Weather search**
– **Sports news search**
– **Dictionary lookup**
– **Stock price search**
– **Homework help**
And of course, the widget can still be utilized for standard web searches.
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## **How to Access the Latest Shortcuts**
Locating the new shortcut settings isn’t as straightforward as one might hope. Google has hidden the customization features deep within the application, turning it into a bit of a scavenger hunt. Here’s how to find them:
1. **Add the Google Search widget to your home screen.**
2. **Tap the “G” icon on the widget.**
3. **Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.**
4. **Select “Settings.”**
5. **Choose “Customize Search Widget.”**
6. **Tap “Shortcuts” to view the available options.**
While the feature is quite beneficial, Google could enhance the user experience by making these settings more accessible.
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## **The Pixel Dilemma**
Despite being a product of Google, Pixel devices are excluded from this update. The persistent Google Search bar on Pixel phones does not accommodate these new shortcut options, which is disappointing for users who anticipate that Google’s own devices should be at the forefront of receiving new features.
This inconsistency highlights a recurring problem with Google’s software update approach—features often roll out in a piecemeal fashion, leaving certain users with a more favorable experience than others. Pixel users, in particular, may find it frustrating to miss out on a valuable enhancement to an essential Google feature.
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## **A Positive Development**
Though this update may not be revolutionary, it represents a welcomed enhancement to the Google Search experience. Instead of imposing changes upon users, Google has introduced an optional upgrade that can streamline day-to-day tasks.
However, the exclusion of Pixel users from this feature raises questions about Google’s priorities. If the company aims to attract more users to its Pixel range, it should guarantee that they receive the best possible experience—including updates like this one.
For now, if you’re not using a Pixel, you can take advantage of a more customizable Google Search widget. If you’re using a Pixel, you’ll have to wait to see if Google plans to extend this feature to its own smartphones in the future.
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### **Concluding Thoughts**
Google’s latest update to the Search widget illustrates how incremental changes can enhance user experience. By introducing customizable shortcuts, Google has made it easier to access valuable tools without compromising the fundamental functionality of the widget.
Nonetheless, the oversight in excluding Pixel users from this update is undeniably frustrating. Hopefully, Google will rectify this inconsistency soon and ensure that all users—especially those using its own devices—can take advantage of these upgrades.
For now, if you’re using a non-Pixel Android device, feel free to explore the new shortcuts in your Search widget. It’s a minor yet beneficial change that enhances Google Search just a bit more.
