"Android 14 Update Unveils User-Selectable Search Engine for Pixel Devices Amidst Google's Antitrust Scrutiny"

The latest Android 14 QPR 2 Beta 3 update for Pixel devices introduces a hidden feature in the Pixel Launcher called "Search Engine." This feature allows users to pick their preferred web search provider, potentially enabling a switch from Google to alternatives like Bing or DuckDuckGo.

The discovery of this functionality on Twitter by tipster @Nail_Sadykov has also revealed similar findings in the Chrome browser, indicating a potential "Search engine choice" feature.

There's speculation about whether this move by Google is a response to the current antitrust case, where the company is accused of having a significant monopoly on the search engine market. The ongoing legal challenges, including a lawsuit by the US Justice Department and attorneys general of eight states, add to the scrutiny.

The annual $10 billion payment to Apple to maintain Google as the default search engine on iOS devices further underscores the competitive landscape. Allowing users to choose their preferred search engine could be viewed as a strategic maneuver by Google amidst increasing legal pressure and ongoing battles, particularly related to the Play Store.