Google App to gain a floating search shortcut on Android

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Google is working on a new floating search shortcut that will let the users quickly do a voice or text search from their smartphone’s home screen. The shortcut will appear as a chat head style floating button that one can place anywhere on their screen for easy access.

According to a report by 9to5Google, new strings of code about the new feature have been seen in a teardown of version 12.44 beta of the Google App. This is what it might look like.

The search shortcut can be placed anywhere and will look like a chat head style notification. It will have 2 buttons that will let you either text or voice search. If one taps on the voice search button, he/she will be redirected to the non-Assistant voice search experience that supports music queries.

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You will be given a choice to keep it either on the home screen or remove it. If you plan to keep it on the home screen initially, but later want to get rid of it then you will be able to do it by dragging and dropping the shortcut to the bottom of the screen to either hide it temporarily or turn it off completely.

Google has not made any official announcements regarding this new feature and there’s no surety about when it will start to roll out.

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Additionally, Mishaal Rahman claims that one can try this shortcut before launch by downloading Google App 12.44.17.29 on your device and launching the ‘com.google.android.apps.gsa.staticplugins.bubble.searchbubble.ui.OptinAlertDialogActivity’ activity.

Source: 1, 2

Shivangi AgarwalShivangi Agarwal
Shivangi is a tech writer at Smartprix, where she covers consumer technology news with a focus on smartphones, wearables, laptops, and the evolving world of OTT streaming. Since joining the team in August 2021, she has written over 120 in-depth reviews, comparisons, and buying guides aimed at helping readers navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.

With a strong foundation in English literature and education, Shivangi brings clarity, insight, and a reader-first approach to every story. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex features into accessible, practical insights—whether she’s reviewing the latest smartphone or exploring trends in infotainment.

Shivangi holds a B.A. (Hons.) and M.A. in English, along with a B.Ed in English and Social Studies. She is based in Faridabad, India. You can follow her work on Smartprix or connect with her for tech-related queries.

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