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. Generally known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and offers entry to elementary consumer interface parts like the house display and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s goal 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. Not like many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher would not provide a lot in the best way 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 just some extra residence display settings with a view to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking parts inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would 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 help is a missed alternative

The Google Play Retailer is stuffed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon substitute apps are available all styles and sizes, 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 doubtless carry icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help icon theming on the iPhone). Because it presently 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 street.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

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

One among 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 residence 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. 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 flexibility to rapidly cover put in apps from view throughout the residence display and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any option to natively obscure an app with out leaping by way of hoops. Google does provide a Personal House characteristic 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. Against this, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can cover apps through the devoted residence display 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 checklist

Previously, I’d’ve thought-about the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at finest, however I’ve just lately develop into a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy option 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 take advantage of 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 private home display structure is solely absent from the Pixel residence expertise. If you happen to’re like me and generally by chance 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 will be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger baby, 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 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 shifting a great deal of apps rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not attainable to rearrange current 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 gives the flexibility to govern residence display pages and to maneuver a number of apps on the similar time, and my HTC Wildfire S from 2011 might do the identical factor, too.

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