Google last month released a preview of another Android 12 developer, and it gave us a glimpse of the many features that are to come. Among them was a new search widget for Pixel Launcher that lets users search for apps, contacts, settings, and more on their device. Now it seems that this functionality will not be limited to Pixel Launcher on Android 12.
Developers behind the popular third-party home screen switcher app, Niagara Launcher, have found new evidence in the Android 12 preview documentation, suggesting that Google is adding a new device search API to Android 12 that allows the third Party Launchers will offer a similar global search feature. As you can see in the attached tweet, this feature will allow third party launchers to "access the main app search index index maintained by the system."
It further highlights that the App Search Search Index is a search library for data management that features:
- A complete offline solution on the device
- APIs for applications that allow the system to display its content at UI levels
- A set of APIs for document index applications and retrieve them through full text search
- Similarly, to allow application APIs to share their content with other specific applications.
This feature will essentially provide a local alternative to universal search apps like Sesame, giving users the option to instantly find almost anything on their device. Although we do not currently have further information on this integration, we expect future Android 12 developers to find out more in the preview. We will update this post as we learn more about integration.
It's worth noting that OnePlus already offers a similar global search feature on its native launcher app. However, it is limited to a specific region. With the new Android 12 Device Search API, it can make its way into other areas as well.
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