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. Often called the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and gives entry to basic person interface parts 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 person 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 way in which of customization instruments. I can respect 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 residence display screen settings as a way to attain its full potential.

Listed below are six lacking parts inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I would like to see carried out in a future software program replace, as a way to obtain function 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 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 styles and sizes, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s residence 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 somewhat 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 deliver 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 necessary

I ought to have the ability to strip again my residence display screen to the necessities if I so need

Certainly one of my largest 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 residence 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 motive.

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3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Personal Area function?

The power to shortly cover put in apps from view throughout the residence 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 via hoops. Google does supply a Personal Area 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 person to dig deep throughout the system’s settings app. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can cover apps by way of the devoted residence 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 would love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps checklist

Previously, 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 not too long ago grow to be a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy technique 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 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 instantly on my residence 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 gadgets, the power to lock or freeze your property display screen structure is totally absent from the Pixel residence expertise. In the event you’re like me and generally 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 screen precisely as organized.

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6

Dwelling display screen 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 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 present residence display screen pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a particular residence 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 power to govern residence 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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