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 called the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and gives entry to basic consumer interface components like the house display 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 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 does not supply a lot in the way in which of customization instruments. I can admire Google’s method of balancing simplicity and suppleness, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra residence display settings as a way to attain its full potential.

Listed below are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would like to see carried out in a future software program replace, as a way to obtain characteristic 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 styles and sizes, 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 reasonably 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 seemingly convey icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to assist icon theming on the iPhone). Because it at present stands, you may 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 to strip again my residence display to the necessities if I so need

One in every 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 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. When you can flip At a Look off, it does not truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display, taking on area for no motive.

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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 method to natively obscure an app with out leaping by way of hoops. Google does supply a Personal Area characteristic that sits throughout the app drawer and that hides apps behind a lock, nevertheless 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 cellphone I can cover apps through the devoted residence display 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-about the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous possibility at finest, however I’ve just lately develop into a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy method to place apps for fast entry with out taking on area on the house display, 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 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 units, the flexibility to lock or freeze your property display structure is solely absent from the Pixel residence expertise. If you happen to’re like me and generally by chance 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 might be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger little one, preserving each facet of the house display precisely as organized.

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6

House display 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 administration departments. Dragging apps is a one-at-a-time course of, and transferring a great deal of apps rapidly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange present 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 flexibility 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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