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 gives entry to basic consumer interface parts 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 consumer with muddle. In contrast to many third-party OEM Android skins or launcher replacement apps, the Pixel Launcher does not supply 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 the intention to attain its full potential.

Listed here are six lacking parts 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 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 substitute apps are available in all sizes and styles, permitting you to effortlessly swap 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 quite than supporting base-level icon packs.

I would like to see Google faucet into the present icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might probably carry 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 vary 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 house display screen to the necessities if I so need

One among 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 house display screen 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. When you can flip At a Look off, it does not really take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display screen, taking over 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 House function?

The power to shortly disguise put in apps from view inside the house display screen 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 House 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 consumer to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can disguise apps by way of 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 primary apps record

Prior 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 choice at greatest, however I’ve lately change into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy approach to place apps for fast entry with out taking over 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 exploit 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 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 power to lock or freeze your private home display screen structure is totally absent from the Pixel house expertise. When you’re like me and generally unintentionally 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 little one, preserving each facet of the house display screen precisely as organized.

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6

House 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 doable 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 presents the power to govern house display screen 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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