Google is testing a new interface for its Android app and it looks like it wants to move the main search bar from the top to the bottom of the screen.
The company has enabled a hidden flag that places the search bar at the bottom in the latest beta version of the Google app, AssembleDebug reported. Screenshots of the updated interface show that the search box is located directly above the bottom navigation bar.
The query is automatically populated in the search bar at the bottom while an active search is in progress. The remaining parts of the search interface, such as filters, sections and account options, remain at the top of the screen. So, only the search bar has been relocated.
AssembleDebug reported that while investigating hidden features, they found this bottom search bar option in version 14.48.26.29.arm64 of the Google app. However, it is unclear whether the change will be made available for wider use or whether it will just be a trial. Most of the time, Google tests interface changes before making them publicly available.
With Google now offering the option to move the address bar down in Chrome for iOS, it may be possible to expand this design to more Android apps. Moving the search bar to the bottom of the screen will make Google’s core search functionality more convenient to use on today’s larger smartphones.
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