How To: Use New Google Search Features Before Everyone Else

Not that long ago, Google introduced a beta program for their Google Search app on Android. Much like any beta program, testers will get access to new features before they officially debut, but you might have to put up with the occasional bug as new functionality is introduced. If you'd like to sign up, it's quite simple, but I'll go over the process in detail below.

Becoming a Google Search Beta Tester

To sign up for the Google Search beta program, make sure your browser is logged into the same Google account you use on your Android device, then head to the following link:

• Google Search beta testing opt-in page

From here, tap the "Become a Tester" button, then within a second or two, you should see a message at the bottom of the page confirming that "You are now a tester."

And that's really all there is to it. Your Google Search app will continue to be updated through the Google Play Store, just as it always has. If you head to the Google Search install page, you should already see your first update, though nothing major seems to have changed yet. But from now on, your Google Search app will get updates before anyone else, with occasional beta features being added in along the way.

Opting Out of the Google Search Beta Program

As with any beta program, there may occasionally be a buggy update that creates issues, so there might come a time where you'd like to opt out of the beta program. To do that, simply head to this link, then tap the link that says "Leave the program."

So far, we haven't noticed anything interesting in the beta version of Google Search, but that should change in time. Have you found any cool features in Google Search Beta? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Android Hacks' Facebook or Twitter, or Gadget Hacks' Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.