Starting with Android 12, third-party launchers will have access to advanced search in the system


Google released the second Android 12 Developer Preview last month that gave a glimpse of several upcoming features. So, it became known that the updated platform will receive a search widget for the Pixel Launcher, which allows you to search for contacts, settings and other applications on a mobile device. However, there is speculation that third-party launchers will also have access to the new feature. This was reported by XDA Developers.

The developers of Niagara Launcher, a popular third-party launcher, have found evidence that Android 12 introduced a universal file search API for different applications. They posted a tweet clearly showing that the new feature provides third-party launchers with access to a centralized AppSearch index maintained by the system.

Niagara Launcher also explained that AppSearch is a structured data management search library that includes the following elements:

  • completely autonomous solution on the device;
  • a set of APIs for applications to index and retrieve documents using full-text search;
  • APIs for applications that allow the system to display their content on the surface of the user interface;
  • API for applications that allow the system to share content with other programs.

XDA Developers noted that the new feature in Android 12 is a native variant of alternative universal search apps like Sesame. It is supposed that it will allow users to find the program or documentation they need on a mobile device in a matter of seconds.

Google did not provide full details about the new universal search engine for all files. Most likely, users will receive additional information after the release of the next preview versions of Android 12 for developers. At the moment, it is already known that the new platform will update the controls for the visibility of notifications. That is, users will be able to configure alert actions so that they always require authentication when launched from the lock screen. In addition, Android 12 Developer Preview 2 adds support for an easier and more efficient way to get the checksum of an installed application.

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