Google is rolling out a major new update to its Search app on both Android and iOS. The updates improve the app’s appearance and include useful new AI-powered features. Users will now see a new smart bar at the top of the Search app in the AI Overview mode.

AI automatically suggests helpful information and allows you to get answers right within the Search app. On Android, you’ll now see a bar placed below the search box that lists your most recent questions as well. The layout adopts Google’s Material You style, and the active AI status is indicated by a curvy green silhouette.

A revamped prompt bar on the bottom of the screen now displays common questions, such as “What’s the best way to plant tomatoes?” The new design makes it more convenient to access with an expanded size and clearer images. The purpose is to make it simpler for users to begin talking with Gemini, Google’s advanced AI.

You’ll also notice an updated loading animation when waiting for results. Coming soon: You’ll see Google displaying a lively, Material 3-inspired animation for loading instead of a spinning circle. These three dots make the animations more up-to-date and approachable. The new features will be released slowly and could eventually show up across Google’s other mobile apps.

These changes make searching on Google easier, quicker, and more helpful, whether you want answers to simple questions or you want to use Google’s AI to learn more.

A bug is causing major problems for users of Google Maps right now. The app no longer displays backup ways to go while driving directions are in progress. If you’re driving, Google Maps usually shows you a couple of alternatives for reaching your destination. That useful function has stopped working for plenty of users in the latest version.

Many users are now being shown only one route when driving, leaving them potentially stuck in traffic. Many Android and iPhone users have run into the problem, and it crops up when using Maps for Navigation in versions 11.127.0101 and newer. Until now, Google hasn’t said anything about resolving the issue, but we can expect them to work on it shortly.

At the same time, YouTube TV is introducing an improvement for fans of live sports. YouTube TV users are getting a major update to their multiview feature this week. People can now design their own multiview layouts, rather than having a limited selection from the app. It’s being tested with a small group of users and should soon be available to everyone. This new feature is available on smart TVs, as well as streaming devices such as Chromecast and Apple TV.

As Google Maps troubleshoots a technical issue, YouTube TV is empowering users with new levels of customization, particularly useful as everyone keeps track of multiple live games during a sporty period. You could see that Google Maps and YouTube TV perform differently this week.

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Google has started rolling out Android Auto version 14.3 more widely after a limited release earlier this month. This update doesn’t bring new features, but it focuses on making things work better by fixing bugs and improving performance.

Android Auto 14.3 began showing up for more users through the Google Play Store, especially those using the beta version. If you’re already part of the beta program, you should see the update soon. For others, the rollout is happening gradually, so it might take a few days to appear.

While Google hasn’t provided detailed patch notes for this version, early users say that the update improves the overall experience by making the system more stable. Users haven’t noticed major visual changes, but smoother performance is always welcome, especially during driving.

As usual, Android Auto updates mostly happen in the background. If you want to check which version you have, open Android Auto settings on your phone. You can also join the beta program or install the APK manually if the update hasn’t reached your device yet.

In short, Android Auto 14.3 is all about improving stability and fixing problems that users might have faced in previous versions. It’s part of Google’s regular efforts to make the in-car experience better and safer for everyone.