Google’s new AI Mode is a built-in part of the Pixel Launcher’s search bar whether you like it or not, but the company appears to be building out a way to turn it off.
Not long after Google widely launched AI Mode, the company also rolled out an update to the Pixel Launcher that added an AI Mode shortcut to the search bar, an update that has also reached the Android 16 QPR1 Beta. The shortcut appears alongside Lens and voice search buttons, and it’s not optional.
But Google appears to be changing that.
In the latest version of the Google app (v16.26.64), strings have appeared that show Google is preparing a way to turn off this integration. A new “Customize Pixel Search Box” section is coming, and with its sole option being to turn off the AI Mode shortcut.
A few of the strings we’ve observed read:
- <string name=”googleapp_pixel_search_box_aim_setting_summary”>Add an AI Mode shortcut to your Pixel Search Box</string>
- <string name=”googleapp_pixel_search_box_aim_setting_title”>AI Mode</string>
- <string name=”googleapp_pixel_search_box_settings_title”>Customize Pixel Search Box</string>
The folks over at Android Authority also spotted this evidence, and managed to manually activate the change. Based on the dedicated UI, it seems possible that Google is trying to leave the door open to further customization in the future.
Google has yet to start the actual rollout of this feature, but it seems nearly ready to go. If you see it go live on your device, let us know!
More on AI Mode:
- Google launches AI Mode in India as first international expansion
- July 1st Google Doodle promotes AI Mode
- Google AI Mode now lets you test and talk to Search Live
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