The first generation Google Pixel and Pixel XL have some new UI refinements just like Pixel 2, thanks to the Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview build. However, there were differences in that not all Pixel 2 bells and whistles had made their way to the older generation of phones made by Google. This is now changing, thanks to what seems like a server-side switch on Google's end.
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The tweaks brought by the update are somewhat minor, but nonetheless help bridge the gap between the two generations of Pixels in terms of UI, at least. The first change becomes apparent on opening the app drawer. Before the update, the app drawer on the original Pixels used to have a simple "Search Apps" field at the top, but now it's been tweaked to match that of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL with a rounded search bar up top.
Additionally, as you go to search from within the app drawer, you won’t just see apps as results. Instead, you’ll get search history from Google Searches, as well as app suggestions.
If you are running Android 8.1 on your original Pixel or Pixel 2 XL, this update should roll out to your device soon.
