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

Because the proprietor of the Android cellular working system, it is solely pure that Google has constructed out its personal native launcher expertise. Referred to as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and offers entry to basic person interface components like the house display screen and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s goal is to offer a clear and easy interface that will get out of the way in which and that does not bombard the person with litter. In contrast to many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher would not supply 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 just some extra house display screen settings in an effort to attain its full potential.

Listed below are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see carried out in a future software program replace, in an effort to obtain characteristic 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 stuffed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon alternative apps are available all sizes and shapes, 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 slightly than supporting base-level icon packs.

I might like to see Google faucet into the present icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might seemingly deliver icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help icon theming on the iPhone). Because it presently 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 highway.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

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

One among 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 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. 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 screen, taking on 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 characteristic?

The power to rapidly conceal 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 supply a Personal Area characteristic 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. Against this, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can conceal 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 might love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps listing

Up to now, I’d’ve thought of the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at greatest, however I’ve not too long ago develop into a significant 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 suits 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 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 flexibility to lock or freeze your own home display screen format is completely absent from the Pixel house expertise. In the event you’re like me and generally by chance 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 could be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger youngster, 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 telephone 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 rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not attainable to rearrange current house display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular 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 affords the flexibility 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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