Android 17 Beta 1 Unveils Subtle Yet Significant Pixel Launcher Enhancements

Daily Technology

17/02/2026

Google has rolled out the first beta for Android 17, and while it focuses on larger system improvements, it also brings two welcome, albeit small, user interface changes to the Pixel Launcher. These updates refine the home screen experience, offering greater customization and flexibility for users.

Key Takeaways

The Pixel Launcher's home screen search bar now features a slimmer design and customizable shortcuts.
Users can finally remove the 'At a Glance' widget from their Pixel home screen.
Minor UI refinements include a refreshed brightness icon and clearer volume panel access.

A Slimmer, Smarter Search Bar

The most noticeable alteration in Android 17 Beta 1 is the redesign of the home screen search bar. Gone are the thick, colored borders of Android 16; in their place is a slimmer, more minimalist design reminiscent of earlier Android versions. More importantly, the shortcut within the search bar is now customizable. While it defaults to an 'AI Mode' shortcut, users can swap it out for a variety of other tools, including Gemini Live, Translate, Song Search, Weather, and Dictionary. This allows for quicker access to frequently used features directly from the home screen.

Goodbye, 'At a Glance' Widget

Another significant user-requested change arriving with Android 17 Beta 1 is the ability to remove the 'At a Glance' widget from the Pixel home screen. Previously tested in Android 16 beta builds, this feature now appears to be widely available. Users can easily remove the widget by long-pressing it and selecting the option to remove it from the Pixel Launcher settings, offering more freedom in home screen arrangement.

Other Minor UI Refinements

Beyond these two major tweaks, Android 17 Beta 1 also includes a few other subtle UI improvements. The volume panel now sports a settings icon at the bottom, providing clearer access to volume controls. Additionally, the brightness icon within the Quick Settings menu has received a refresh. As with any beta release, these changes are subject to modification or removal in future updates.

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