One of our readers spotted this neat trick in the latest update to the Google Now Launcher (which is part of the primary Google app). A single tap on the app drawer icon will open the app drawer as usual, but a long-press will open it and immediately highlight the app search field. It will also automatically open your default virtual keyboard, quickly and easily allowing you to type and search for apps.

This is especially handy for those users who keep dozens (or hundreds) of apps on their phones. Check out the animation below to see it in action:

The long-press function is only available in the latest versions of the Google App. A little testing shows that the feature isn't present on version 5.2, but it's active in version 5.3 (which also brings a few Android Marshmallow touches to the Google Now Launcher). Since that's the most recent version of the Google app and the Google Now Launcher, you might not see an automatic download from the Play Store. Head over to APK Mirror for a manual download if you're tired of waiting.

Thanks: Peter Doughman