My users are going to revolt if there's not a quick easy way to search for new content.  We used to have a "New Content" button prior to 4.1 ... am I just missing it now?

 

under Activity tabs -> My Activity Streams -> Unread Content

and you can also create new activity and config it to your need and put the link easily in the menu manager 

you can read more about the new activity IPS Community Suite 4.1: Activity Streams and Menu Manager

It looks like options under Activity change every other day.

I've got a custom activity stream setup now that sort of mimics the old "New Content" search and am trying to warm up to it.