It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher nonetheless ca...

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

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s goal is to offer a clear and easy interface that will get out of the way in which and that does not bombard the consumer with litter. In contrast to many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher would not provide a lot in the way in which of customization instruments. I can recognize Google’s method of balancing simplicity and adaptability, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of just some extra dwelling display settings so as to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would like to see carried out in a future software program replace, so as 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 alternative apps are available all styles and sizes, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s dwelling 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 fairly than supporting base-level icon packs.

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

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2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

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

One among my greatest contentions with the out-of-box Pixel software program expertise is the shortcoming to take away Google’s At a Look and Search widgets from the primary dwelling display web page. I’ve no downside 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. Whilst you can flip At a Look off, it would not really take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, taking over house for no purpose.

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3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Personal House characteristic?

The power to rapidly cover put in apps from view inside the dwelling display and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any solution to natively obscure an app with out leaping via hoops. Google does provide a Personal House characteristic that sits inside the app drawer and that hides apps behind a lock, however it creates a second occasion of every app, and setting it up requires the consumer to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can cover apps through the devoted dwelling 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 would love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps checklist

Previously, I’d’ve thought of the power to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at greatest, however I’ve lately grow to be a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy solution to place apps for fast entry with out taking over 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 dwelling display.

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5

The house display format 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 private home display format is completely absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. If you happen to’re like me and typically unintentionally muck up your format 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 little one, preserving each facet of the house display precisely as organized.

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6

Residence display administration is missing

Dragging and arranging apps on a Pixel telephone 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 rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not attainable to rearrange current dwelling display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected dwelling 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 affords the power to govern dwelling display pages and to maneuver a number of apps on the identical time, and my HTC Wildfire S from 2011 may do the identical factor, too.

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