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

Because the proprietor of the Android cell 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 basic consumer interface components like the house display and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s intention is to supply a clear and easy interface that will get out of the way in which and that does not bombard the consumer with litter. Not like 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 strategy of balancing simplicity and suppleness, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra dwelling display settings as a way 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, as a way to obtain function parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android area.

1

Third-party icon packs do not work

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

The Google Play Retailer is stuffed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon alternative apps are available all sizes and styles, 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 quite than supporting base-level icon packs.

I would like to see Google faucet into the prevailing icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might possible 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 alter icon shapes doubtlessly coming someday down the street.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are obligatory

I ought to be capable to strip again my dwelling 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 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 truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, taking on area 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 Area function?

The flexibility to rapidly conceal put in apps from view throughout 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 by hoops. Google does provide a Non-public Area function that sits throughout 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 throughout the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can conceal 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 principle apps listing

Prior to now, I might’ve thought of 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 out to be a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy solution to place apps for fast entry with out taking on area 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 Area to the highest of my drawer — all are apps that I take advantage of semi-frequently, however not sufficient to justify incomes a slot immediately 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 gadgets, the power to lock or freeze your own home display format is totally absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. In case you’re like me and generally by accident muck up your format of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking every thing 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

Dwelling 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 doable to rearrange present dwelling display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular 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 gives the power to govern dwelling 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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