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Google Testing New Transparent Search Bar Widget That Shows Now Card Information

Google Testing New Transparent Search Bar Widget That Shows Now Card Information

By Shubham Verma | Updated: 13 October 2016 18:56 IST

Highlights

The Widget is feature is only available on the beta Google app
Weather and other commute informations appear in a transparent bar
The feature is limited to a few early users

Google is testing new feature to its Google Search widget for users of the Google Now Launcher. Like an extension, it lingers down from the white Search bar showing some of Google Now card information. The 'sub-widget' as it is being called, can show information like commute time, weather, and other information on a transparent bar just below it. It is reported to be rolling out widely to the Google Search beta v6.6.14.21 for Android.

The sub-widget is clickable and leads you to the respective card information seen in the Now feed in Google Search app. To dismiss it, you either swipe it or just tap on the X symbol at the right of the sub-widget. For now, Google is said to be just pushing some relevant information like commute time and weather for users.

As we mentioned, the feature seems to be available only on the beta channel of the Google Search app, so if you are using the stable version, you won't see the Widget appearing on your homescreen. But fret not, you can join the beta channel of the app by just simply going to Google Play store. Visit the Google app and scroll down, you'll find an option to join the beta channel. Just click on it and in a few minutes, you're all set to receive updates that are either being tested or pushed out early for the Google app.

After you are done with whole beta channel joining procedure, and have the Google Now Launcher installed, head to your Google Search app and in the Settings page find the Widget option. Go to it and turn it on. While testing the feature in beta app, we were able to switch it, but unfortunately, the Widget did not show up on the homescreen, which might suggest that Google is taking time to completely enable the feature for all beta app users - it may also depend on your Google Now card functionality.

The functionality probably is a server-based switch too, and Google is taking ample time in doing that for all users. Until then, if you are a beta tester for the Google app and are able to use the Widget feature, do sound off in the comments below.

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