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

Because the proprietor of the Android cellular 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 gives entry to basic person interface components 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 person with muddle. Not like many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher would not supply a lot in the best way of customization instruments. I can admire 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 with the intention 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, with the intention to obtain function parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android house.

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 in all sizes and shapes, 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 slightly 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 seemingly convey 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 probably coming someday down the highway.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

I ought to be capable to strip again my dwelling display to the necessities if I so want

Considered one of 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 dwelling 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 on 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 Non-public Area function?

The power to shortly 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 isn’t any strategy to natively obscure an app with out leaping by hoops. Google does supply a Non-public Area function 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 person to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. Against this, 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 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 primary apps listing

Up 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 possibility at greatest, however I’ve not too long ago develop into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy strategy to place apps for fast entry with out taking on 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 Area 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 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 power to lock or freeze your private home display structure is fully absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. Should you’re like me and typically by chance muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking every thing in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting could be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger little one, 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 current 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 provides the power to control 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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