Google is experimenting with new search field features in Android

Some Android users are presented with additional features after pressing the Google search field, which is placed on the OS’s home screen. In addition to recent searches, Android also shows popular topics and nearby locations.

The search field in Android, where users can enter a search query with text or voice input, currently shows a number of recent searches at the touch of a button. Google may be planning to give more functionality to the search field, according to the experiences of a number of Android users who were presented with new options.

Instead of recent searches, the screenshots spotted by AndroidPolice show three choices. In addition to recent searches, you can choose ‘what’s hot’, which shows a number of popular topics in the list. It is not yet clear whether this list is only based on popularity or also on personal preferences. There is also a ‘Nearby’ option in the menu, pressing this gives the choice to, for example, look up a restaurant, gas station or ATM in the area.

Google probably made the changes on the server side, but not yet activated it for all users. The company may be experimenting with the new features. It is therefore unknown whether and when all Android users will receive the extra options in the search field.