The latest update for the stock OxygenOS launcher app brings a new unified search feature for users in India. The feature, which was first spotted in an APK teardown of OnePlus Launcher v4.5.2 earlier this year, is called OnePlus Scout and it allows users to easily search for anything on their devices from a single unified search bar.
As you can see in the attached screenshots, the new OnePlus Scout feature will let you easily look up contacts, files, music, and more from the search bar in the app drawer. The feature will also let you find locations, restaurants, or places nearby and it will even solve simple math problems or queries by tapping into the Calculator app. Additionally, the feature will let you find news and weather information from apps installed on your device or directly from the web.
The OnePlus Scout feature is rolling out to users in India with v4.7.2_200818175549 of the OnePlus Launcher app. Once you install the update on your device, you should see a set-up screen for OnePlus Scout on your device once you access the app drawer. After you agree to OnePlus' terms of use and Privacy Policy, the new feature will bring up a string of pop-ups for all the required permissions. As soon as you grant the feature all the required permissions, you'll be able to search for almost anything on your device from a single unified search bar.
The feature also comes with a couple of customization settings, that will allow you to tailor your search results based on your needs. The OnePlus Scout settings will allow you to choose result preferences, customize which apps are displayed in the app drawer, view all required permissions, and enable/disable search tips. You can also choose to land directly onto OnePlus Scout as soon as you access the app drawer, instead of hitting the search bar for accessing it.
It's worth noting that OnePlus seems to have removed OnePlus Scout's ability to search through messages on your device. While our APK teardown had suggested that the feature would also let users search through text messages, this capability isn't available in the final version of the feature. Aamir from our team tried the feature on his OnePlus 8 Pro and he didn't get any search results from the Messages app using keywords from pre-existing SMS messages..
As mentioned earlier, the feature is currently only available for OnePlus users in India and we have no information from the company regarding a wider rollout.
Thanks to XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the tip!