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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Circle to Search from Google is now more powerful and can come in handy in more ways than before. Starting now, you can access Circle to Search on any screen or app within your phone.

So far, the Circle to Search feature was limited to those specific apps and websites. However, you can now use the feature anywhere on your screen, no matter where you’re in your apps or your home screen.

To activate Circle to Search, long-press on the home button and circle whatever you’d like to search on your screen. You can highlight anything that interests you, from words and pictures to videos. You’ll instantly see the information you need without leaving anything behind.

Google has introduced updates to Circle to Search that enable you to translate the whole screen by tapping one button. This change is designed to help everyone quickly find info and keep their attention on the task at hand.

Google is initially offering the feature on Pixel 6 and newer, as well as the Galaxy S21 and subsequent models. More devices are likely to get this functionality in the future. Circle to Search now provides an easy way to access relevant information whenever you need it.