It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher nonetheless can’t do these 6 staple 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 known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and gives entry to basic person interface components like the house display screen and the app drawer.

With the Pixel Launcher, it is clear that Google’s goal 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 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 recognize Google’s strategy of balancing simplicity and adaptability, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of just some extra residence display screen settings with a purpose to attain its full potential.

Listed below 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 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 in all styles and sizes, permitting you to effortlessly change 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 might like to see Google faucet into the prevailing icon pack ecosystem with the Pixel Launcher, which might probably convey 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 of strip again my residence display screen to the necessities if I so need

One in every of my largest 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 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. Whilst you can flip At a Look off, it would not truly take away the widget — the date stays completely affixed to the highest of the display screen, 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 Non-public House function?

The power to shortly conceal put in apps from view inside the residence display screen and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any solution to natively obscure an app with out leaping via hoops. Google does provide a Non-public 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. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy telephone I can conceal 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 might love the choice to pin apps and folders to the highest of the primary apps listing

Previously, I’d’ve thought-about the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous choice at finest, however I’ve not too long ago grow to be a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy solution to place apps for fast entry with out taking on 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 take advantage of semi-frequently, however not sufficient to justify incomes a slot straight 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 flexibility to lock or freeze your own home display screen structure is completely absent from the Pixel residence 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 will 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

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 potential 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 flexibility to control residence 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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