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 supplies entry to basic person interface parts like the house display 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 best way 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 best way 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 in an effort to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking parts inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see applied 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 crammed 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 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 might 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 help 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 street.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are obligatory

I ought to be capable of strip again my residence display to the necessities if I so need

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 would not really take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, 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 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 isn’t any approach to natively obscure an app with out leaping by means of 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. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can cover 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 might love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps checklist

Up to now, I might’ve thought-about the power to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at greatest, however I’ve lately develop into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy approach to place apps for fast entry with out taking on 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 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 power to lock or freeze your house display structure is totally absent from the Pixel residence expertise. In case you’re like me and typically by accident 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 could 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

Dwelling 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 shifting a great deal of apps rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current residence display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected 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 power to control 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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