It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher nonetheless can’t do these 6 staple items

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 supplies entry to basic consumer interface parts 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 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 does not provide a lot in the way in which of customization instruments. I can respect Google’s method 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 settings so as to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking parts inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would like to see applied in a future software program replace, so as to obtain function parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android area.

1

Third-party icon packs do not work

Contemplating the varied 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 alternative apps are available in all sizes and styles, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s residence 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 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 seemingly convey icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help 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 vary icon shapes probably coming someday down the highway.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are obligatory

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

One in all my largest 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 residence 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 does not truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, taking over area 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 Area function?

The power to shortly disguise put in apps from view inside the residence 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 via hoops. Google does provide a Personal Area function 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 consumer to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can disguise apps by way of the devoted residence 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 record

Previously, I’d’ve thought of the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous possibility at greatest, however I’ve lately develop into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy method to place apps for fast entry with out taking over 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 exploit semi-frequently, however not sufficient to justify incomes a slot immediately on my residence 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 gadgets, the flexibility to lock or freeze your own home display structure is completely absent from the Pixel residence expertise. In case you’re like me and typically unintentionally muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking all the pieces in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting will be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger baby, 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 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 shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not attainable to rearrange present residence display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular residence 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 flexibility to govern residence 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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