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

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

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s intention is to offer a clear and easy interface that will get out of the way in which 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 way in which of customization instruments. I can respect Google’s strategy of balancing simplicity and suppleness, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra dwelling display screen settings with a purpose to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see carried out in a future software program replace, with a purpose 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 crammed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon substitute apps are available in all sizes and styles, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s dwelling 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 relatively 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 deliver icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to assist 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 probably coming someday down the highway.

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2

At a Look and Google Search are obligatory

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

One in all my greatest contentions with the out-of-box Pixel software program expertise is the shortcoming to take away Google’s At a Look and Search widgets from the primary dwelling 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 really take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display screen, taking on house for no cause.

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3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Non-public House function?

The power to shortly conceal put in apps from view throughout the dwelling 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 way of hoops. Google does provide a Non-public House function 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 telephone I can conceal apps through the devoted dwelling display screen 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 record

Prior 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 possibility at finest, however I’ve not too long ago turn out to be a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy technique to place apps for fast entry with out taking on house 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 straight on my dwelling display screen.

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5

The house display screen 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 units, the flexibility to lock or freeze your house display screen structure is fully absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. In the event you’re like me and typically by accident muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking all the pieces in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting may 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

Residence 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 shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current dwelling display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular dwelling 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 flexibility to control dwelling display screen 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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