Abstract
- With its in-house Pixel Launcher, Google gives a clear Android interface throughout each the house display and the app drawer.
- Sadly, this simplicity comes at the price of customizability, which flies within the face of Android’s design ethos.
- Listed here are six issues that I want Google would combine into the Pixel Launcher for a extra versatile person expertise.
Because the proprietor of the Android cellular working system, it is solely pure that Google has constructed out its personal native launcher expertise. Often known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and gives entry to elementary person interface components like the house display and the app drawer.
With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s purpose is to supply 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 does not supply a lot in the best way 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 settings in an effort to attain its full potential.
Listed here are six lacking components inside Google’s Pixel Launcher that I might like to see applied in a future software program replace, in an effort to obtain function parity with a lot of the competitors within the Android area.
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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 stuffed to the brim with high-quality icon packs from third-party builders. These icon substitute apps are available all sizes and shapes, permitting you to effortlessly swap 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 present icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might doubtless carry icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to assist icon theming on the iPhone). Because it presently stands, you possibly can solely apply an underbaked tinted icon design on Pixel telephones, with the choice to alter icon shapes doubtlessly coming someday down the street.

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2
At a Look and Google Search are necessary
I ought to be capable to strip again my residence display to the necessities if I so want
One in every 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 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 House function?
The power to shortly conceal put in apps from view inside the residence display and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any strategy to natively obscure an app with out leaping by way of hoops. Google does supply a Personal House function that sits inside 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 person to dig deep inside the system’s settings app. Against this, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can conceal 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 principle apps listing
Up to now, I’d’ve thought of the power to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at finest, however I’ve just lately turn out to be a serious fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy strategy 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 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 instantly 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 power to lock or freeze your house display structure is completely absent from the Pixel residence expertise. Should you’re like me and generally unintentionally muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking all the things 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 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 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 shortly 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 particular 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 provides 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 might do the identical factor, too.

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