According to reports, Google is planning to introduce a new setting in the Pixel Launcher specifically for users in Europe. This setting will enable users to modify their default search engine.
It’s been suggested that switching the search engine on Google Pixel phones will also alter the icon displayed on the search bar.
Users of Google Pixel smartphones in Europe have observed a new feature allowing them to switch their default search engine. This option reportedly appears in the settings of Pixel Launcher, which serves as the default launcher for all Pixel devices. It’s suggested that this change was implemented by Google to adhere to the regulations outlined in the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has recently been enforced. Interestingly, Apple has also made adjustments to comply with the act, including support for alternative app marketplaces and permitting third-party browsers to utilize their own browser engines.
The details were disclosed by tipster Mishaal Rahman on X (previously Twitter). According to screenshots shared by a Mastodon user, Rahman mentioned, “A user informed me that they got a notification from the Search Engine Selector app to pick their preferred search engine. Upon switching the search provider, the icon on the search bar is refreshed to match the user’s selected provider.” This notification was further validated by numerous other Pixel phone users based in Europe.
Clicking on the notification is said to direct users to a newly introduced setting option labeled “Search Engine.” To access it manually, users can navigate to Pixel Launcher’s Settings > Home screen search settings > Search Engine. Upon entering the menu, a message appears stating, “Choose the application you wish to use for web searches. This will impact search results and content displayed on your home screen.”
According to reports, below the message, users will find a list of all the search engines installed on their devices. Among the popular alternatives to Google are Microsoft Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, and Perplexity AI.
In a recent blog post, Google outlined its plan to adhere to the new regulations. The company stated that it made over 20 product adjustments to search results and introduced an option for users to decide whether they want to share their data across Google services. Additionally, Google mentioned its intention to introduce an “additional choice screen” for users to modify their default search engine or browser. According to the tipster, it seems that Google has started deploying this feature, although it has not yet been extended to non-Pixel Android devices.
