Do you like the bottom search bar on the new Pixel launcher?

by Daniel Petrov / Oct 03, 2017, 7:56 AM

With the upcoming Pixel 2 and its larger, bezel-less XL sibling, Google will be putting greater emphasis on a tailored software, and we aren't talking only about fast updates to the newest mobile operating system versions. So far, a Verizon source has disclosed that the Pixel 2/XL will sport always-on song recognition, and it will automatically display titles and albums on the lock screen.

As for the camera app, a fresh insider tip claims that the new Pixels will have an auto "Face Retouching" regime for removing blemishes and plumping up skin tones, which sounds suspiciously like the beautify mode on myriads of Chinese handsets, as well as "motion photos," which sound suspiciously like what Apple and Samsung or HTC have on their handsets.

The most immediately visible change, however, will be the brand new Pixel launcher installed on the new phones that includes a redesigned home screen, and a search bar that has gone beneath the dock. We played around with it a little bit at the Google I/O, as you can see in the video above, and found it inherently easier to use, instead of having to stretch all the way up when you need to search for an app or on the web. We realize, however, that this new placement will be a matter of personal preference, so we wanted to preemptively ask if you think you can get used to that thing being down there, or do you find the placement odd. Pick a side in the poll below, and sound off your arguments in the comments.

Do you like the bottom search bar on the new Pixel launcher?

Yes

47.7%

52.3%

Options

28 Comments

1. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

No. I prefer the search bar to be at the top or in middle of the screen.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:00 AM 9

17. Settings

Posts: 2943; Member since: Jul 02, 2014

If it's a tall phone, bottom placement is ok. A toggle option should handle it. Problem solved.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 10:08 AM 4

18. trojan_horse

Even on a tall phone like the Galaxy S8+, I still prefer it in the middle.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 10:25 AM 1

20. Settings

To each of his own.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 10:39 AM 4

23. IT-Engineer

Posts: 543; Member since: Feb 26, 2015

Even though, it still looks ugly and out of place.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 11:13 AM 2

2. PhoneInQuestion

Posts: 496; Member since: Aug 20, 2017

Top of screen (not round) please. I'm just stubborn to change.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:01 AM 3

3. Feanor

Posts: 1365; Member since: Jun 20, 2012

No, Google is forcing to us their main money maker without considering ergonomy.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:05 AM 3

7. kiko007

Posts: 7493; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

Wait... what? Isn't the bottom search bar EASIER to reach on such a tall phone?

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:14 AM 2

8. maherk

Posts: 6876; Member since: Feb 10, 2012

That's what he is saying. Now it will be much easier to accidentally tap on the search button whenever you're trying to press on the shortcuts and capacitive buttons on top and buttom of it.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:16 AM 1

11. kiko007

Oh... I think I got it now. My only issue with it is that God awful gray hue it carries in contrast with that dark wallpaper and white navbar; it's really off-putting for some reason.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:31 AM 0

16. maherk

I dislike it as a whole, and Google should give Pixel users the right to disable it. They have the option to long press and activate the Google Assistant, so why force people keep this bar on the home screen?

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 9:44 AM 0

19. cocoy

Posts: 457; Member since: Oct 30, 2015

Actually, accidental touches on the on-screen navigation keys are very seldom of not possible to happen because it will be hidden when you have an open application unless no app is open and you are trying to touch the nearby app icon on the home screen.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 10:36 AM 0

4. GreenMan

Posts: 2697; Member since: Nov 09, 2015

Appalling.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:08 AM 0

5. ozzyager

Posts: 3; Member since: Sep 09, 2011

I'm in the middle - it's "fine." I'm sure I'll get used to it - or will probably stick Nova on there, anyway...

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:13 AM 0

6. Bankz

Posts: 2543; Member since: Apr 08, 2016

I really like it tbh..

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:14 AM 0

9. Zylam

Posts: 1816; Member since: Oct 20, 2010

If it was above the base icons I wouldn't mind it, but it looks horrible being below them. Also when you unlock your phone to search something, you'd most likely be holding it with two hands (since you're going to type something) in which case your thumb is already half way up the screen, thus having a bar at the top was never a problem. If you can unlock and type with one hand then the bar at the bottom makes sense, but how likely is anyone going to one hand a 6 inch phone.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:22 AM 1

10. gynorm

Posts: 38; Member since: Jul 31, 2013

Dang....it's too bad we can't move it where we want too....

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:24 AM 0

12. JocularJ

Posts: 221; Member since: Apr 27, 2011

I don't like having the search bar on my phone at all. I want to keep my home pages as clutter free as possible. If I want to look up something, I either use "ok Google" or open Google with a long press of the home button.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:34 AM 0

22. Feanor

Exactly, I hate the google search bar and I installed Nova just so that I could get rid of it and replace it with a conventional icon for the Google app. Having it so close to navigation keys it seems appalling to me.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 11:06 AM 0

13. roldefol

Posts: 4744; Member since: Jan 28, 2011

I get it, it makes sense to move the search bar because the screen is so tall, but I hope it can be "hidden" like on the old Pixel UI. I almost never use the search bar.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 8:38 AM 0

14. tedkord

Posts: 17356; Member since: Jun 17, 2009

Yes. It's easier to reach by a mile. No. It looks weird and is too close to the software buttons Neither. The first thing I do on any phone is install Nova Prime and make it default home screen.

posted on Oct 03, 2017, 9:26 AM 1

15. wesley.

Posts: 212; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

I'd be happier with a dedicated Google search/assistant button on the left side of a phone. Saying ok Google is hit and his and tedious. Samsung was really onto something with the Bixby button.