It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher...

Because the proprietor of the Android cellular working system, it is solely pure that Google has constructed out its personal native launcher expertise. Often called the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and offers entry to basic person interface components like the house display and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s purpose is to supply a clear and easy interface that will get out of the best way and that does not bombard the person with litter. Not like many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher does not supply a lot in the best way of customization instruments. I can recognize Google’s method of balancing simplicity and suppleness, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of just some extra house display settings with a view to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see carried out in a future software program replace, with a view to obtain characteristic parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android house.

1

Third-party icon packs do not work

Contemplating the varied ecosystem of Android icon packs, Pixel’s lack of assist is a missed alternative

The Google Play Retailer is crammed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon substitute apps are available in all sizes and styles, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s house display. Most launchers combine flawlessly with icon packs, as do some skins from {hardware} makers. Others, like Samsung, have elected to implement their very own customized theming engines quite than supporting base-level icon packs.

I might like to see Google faucet into the present icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might doubtless deliver icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to assist icon theming on the iPhone). Because it at present stands, you’ll be able to solely apply an underbaked tinted icon design on Pixel telephones, with the choice to vary icon shapes probably coming someday down the street.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are obligatory

I ought to have the ability to strip again my house display to the necessities if I so want

One in every of my greatest contentions with the out-of-box Pixel software program expertise is the lack to take away Google’s At a Look and Search widgets from the primary house display web page. I’ve no drawback with these being right here by default, however I ought to have the choice to toggle them off if I really feel inclined to take action. When you can flip At a Look off, it does not truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, taking on house for no cause.

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3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Non-public House characteristic?

The power to shortly cover put in apps from view inside the house display and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any method to natively obscure an app with out leaping by way of hoops. Google does supply a Non-public House characteristic that sits inside the app drawer and that hides apps behind a lock, nevertheless it creates a second occasion of every app, and setting it up requires the person to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can cover apps through the devoted house display settings menu, and on an iPhone it solely requires a fast lengthy press to disclose the operate.

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4

Apps cannot be pinned to the app drawer

I might love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps listing

Up to now, I’d’ve thought-about the power to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at finest, however I’ve just lately turn into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy method to place apps for fast entry with out taking on house on the house display, the app drawer matches the invoice completely. On Nothing OS, for instance, I’ve pinned Google Authenticator, Discover Hub, the Play Retailer, and Important House to the highest of my drawer — all are apps that I exploit semi-frequently, however not sufficient to justify incomes a slot straight on my house display.

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5

The house display structure cannot be locked

A small-but-useful setting that is sorely lacking from the Pixel expertise

A easy high quality of life addition discovered throughout most Android units, the power to lock or freeze your property display structure is totally absent from the Pixel house expertise. If you happen to’re like me and generally by accident muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking the whole lot in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting might be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger youngster, preserving each side of the house display precisely as organized.

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6

Residence display administration is missing

Dragging and arranging apps on a Pixel cellphone is an train in frustration

Surprisingly, the Pixel Launcher is missing within the app and residential display administration departments. Dragging apps is a one-at-a-time course of, and transferring a great deal of apps shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current house display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected house display because the default first web page. In Google’s quest to make Android approachable, I really feel the corporate has overcorrected on this one. Even Apple provides the power to control house display pages and to maneuver a number of apps on the similar time, and my HTC Wildfire S from 2011 may do the identical factor, too.

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