Search has always been a core component of Android – after all, the operating system is made by Google. But one of the coolest tricks of the system is reserved for Google’s own launcher and widget: the ability to search your own apps and search results on the web at the same time. According to the developer documentation for Android 12, the capability is likely to come to all launches and apps soon.
To be specific, we’ve talked about the behavior you see when searching for the Google widget, either in the Pixel Launcher or using any other launcher with the widget on your screen. This search has access to data on Google’s web site and the list of apps installed on your phone. Third-party launch programs may not do so within their own program list. For example, Nova Launcher Search Search has links to search for a query on Google or the Play Store, but cannot fill the list with only the entries of your own installed apps. It is possible to extend it with third-party tools like Sesame Search, but at the moment it is not a smooth experience at all.
Nova Launcher’s current in-app search, limited to a list of apps installed on the device, without web integration.
The update was seen by the developers of Niagara Launcher, and posted on Twitter. The “AppSearchManager” API entry, according to its documentation, allows each app to activate the centralized AppSearch index, possibly even including actions in the app. For example, searching a Google Doc or finding a specific local photo in a gallery app. This is functionality that more powerfully reflects local search tools, as seen on Windows and MacOS, and even the standard search feature built into the iOS home screen.
The Scout Search Tool on OnePlus’ OxygenOS
OnePlus has already set up a custom search implementation similar to this one, and it’s one of the features we were hoping to move to vanilla Android. We have not yet implemented this extensive AppSearchManager tool in the Android 12 Developer Preview.
