You can remove to the google search bar by installing a different launcher.  I would suggest trying Nova launcher as a start.  Works similar but has more options then the default android launcher.

Yes please also very curious.  The current bug that I have is that there is no way to disable "lift to wake" in this version of android 9 and the phone wakes itself all the time and I end up butt dialing or turning music on or off with my pocket.  Incredible frustrating.  Looks like this p...

I see you can download Android 10 - ASOP and install on this phone as part of project treble.  can you test this in the factory and advise if this will work?  I understand the camera can be an issue sometimes. One of the main reasons I am keen to install 10 is that in 9 you can't seem to turn off th...