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. Often known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and supplies entry to elementary person interface components like the house display screen 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 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 provide a lot in the best way of customization instruments. I can recognize 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 house display screen settings with a view 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 a view 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 crammed 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 change up the aesthetic of your Android’s house 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 reasonably 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 probably convey icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to assist icon theming on the iPhone). Because it at the moment stands, you’ll be able to solely apply an underbaked tinted icon design on Pixel telephones, with the choice to vary 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 of strip again my house display screen to the necessities if I so need

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 house 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. When 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 screen, 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 Personal House function?

The flexibility to shortly disguise put in apps from view throughout the house display screen and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is no technique to natively obscure an app with out leaping by hoops. Google does provide a Personal House function that sits throughout the app drawer and that hides apps behind a lock, but it surely creates a second occasion of every app, and setting it up requires the person to dig deep throughout the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can disguise apps through the devoted house 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 checklist

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 just lately grow to be a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy technique to place apps for fast entry with out taking on area on the house display screen, 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 house 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 gadgets, the power to lock or freeze your own home display screen format is completely absent from the Pixel house expertise. When you’re like me and generally unintentionally muck up your format of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking every part 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 screen precisely as organized.

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6

Dwelling display screen 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 screen administration departments. Dragging apps is a one-at-a-time course of, and shifting a great deal of apps shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current house display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected house 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 provides the power to control house display screen 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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