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 called the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and supplies entry to elementary consumer interface components like the house display screen 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 consumer with litter. In contrast to 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 admire Google’s strategy of balancing simplicity and adaptability, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra residence display screen settings with a purpose to attain its full potential.

Listed below are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would like to see applied in a future software program replace, with a purpose to obtain characteristic parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android area.

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1

Third-party icon packs do not work

Contemplating the various ecosystem of Android icon packs, Pixel’s lack of help 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 shapes, permitting you to effortlessly change up the aesthetic of your Android’s residence display screen. 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 slightly 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 possible convey icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help icon theming on the iPhone). Because it presently stands, you possibly can 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 be capable to strip again my residence display screen to the necessities if I so need

Certainly one of my largest 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 residence display screen 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. Whilst 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 screen, taking on area for no motive.

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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 flexibility to rapidly cover put in apps from view throughout the residence display screen and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any strategy to natively obscure an app with out leaping by hoops. Google does supply a Non-public House characteristic that sits throughout 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 consumer to dig deep throughout the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can cover apps through the devoted residence display screen settings menu, and on an iPhone it solely requires a fast lengthy press to disclose the perform.

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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 principle apps listing

Previously, I might’ve thought of the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at greatest, however I’ve just lately grow to be a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy strategy to place apps for fast entry with out taking on area on the house display screen, the app drawer suits 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 instantly on my residence display screen.

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5

The house display screen 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 flexibility to lock or freeze your property display screen format is solely absent from the Pixel residence expertise. In case you’re like me and typically by chance muck up your format of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking all the pieces in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting might be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger baby, preserving each side of the house display screen precisely as organized.

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6

House display screen 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 screen administration departments. Dragging apps is a one-at-a-time course of, and shifting a great deal of apps rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current residence display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular residence display screen 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 presents the flexibility to govern residence display screen pages and to maneuver a number of apps on the identical time, and my HTC Wildfire S from 2011 might do the identical factor, too.

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