It’s 2025, and the Pixel Launcher nonetheless ca...

Because the proprietor of the Android cellular working system, it is solely pure that Google has constructed out its personal native launcher expertise. Generally known as the Pixel Launcher, this piece of software program sits atop the OS and offers entry to elementary consumer 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 way in which and that does not bombard the consumer with litter. In contrast to 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 suppleness, however I do really feel that the corporate’s launcher is in want of only a few extra dwelling 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 house.

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 alternative apps are available in all sizes and shapes, permitting you to effortlessly swap up the aesthetic of your Android’s dwelling 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 seemingly deliver icon packs additional into the mainstream (and maybe compel Apple to help icon theming on the iPhone). Because it at the moment 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 highway.

Associated

Here’s how the Pixel launcher turns me into a productivity pro

You have got all of the instruments that you must flip your cellphone from one thing that distracts you into one thing that works for you.

2

At a Look and Google Search are necessary

I ought to be capable to strip again my dwelling display to the necessities if I so need

Certainly one 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 dwelling display web page. I’ve no drawback 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, taking on house for no purpose.

Associated

This is how I hide apps I don’t want on my Samsung Galaxy’s home screen

You probably have apps in your Samsung Galaxy cellphone that you really want out of sight, a pair steps is all it takes to rid them from view.

3

Apps cannot be simply hidden from view

Why do I’ve to fiddle with the cumbersome Non-public Area function?

The flexibility to shortly cover put in apps from view throughout the dwelling display and app drawer interfaces is a staple throughout most Android launchers. Not so with the Pixel: there is not any technique to natively obscure an app with out leaping by hoops. Google does provide a Non-public Area function 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. In contrast, on a Samsung Galaxy cellphone I can cover apps through the devoted dwelling display settings menu, and on an iPhone it solely requires a fast lengthy press to disclose the operate.

Associated

I got so frustrated with these 5 Windows 11 problems I decided to fix them myself

For all of Home windows 11’s strengths, the decades-old OS is held again by some head scratching quirks – this is how I rectify them when establishing a PC.

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 record

Previously, I’d’ve thought of the flexibility to pin apps and folders to the highest of the app drawer to be a superfluous possibility at finest, however I’ve lately turn out to be a significant fan of the idea. As a quick-and-easy technique to place apps for fast entry with out taking on house on the house display, 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 dwelling display.

Associated

5 small but irritating iOS issues I wish were fixed already

Apple’s iOS has come a great distance through the years, however there are nonetheless some smaller quirks that hassle me, even in 2025.

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 gadgets, the flexibility to lock or freeze your own home display structure is completely absent from the Pixel dwelling expertise. Should you’re like me and generally by accident muck up your structure of apps and widgets with out realizing it, locking every part in place provides simply sufficient friction for peace of thoughts. This setting may be particularly helpful if handing a tool to a younger youngster, preserving each side of the house display precisely as organized.

Associated

Pixel 10 series set to debut next month

Google has introduced its subsequent Made by Google occasion for August 20, the place its anticipated to point out off the Pixel 10 sequence.

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 shifting a great deal of apps shortly turns into a tedious course of. It is also not potential to rearrange current dwelling display pages, view pages in a birds’ eye view, or set a selected dwelling 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 affords the flexibility to govern dwelling display 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.

Associated

5 unconventional Android launchers that will make your phone as unique as you are

Android launchers are devoted dwelling display replacements apps – listed here are 5 unconventional choices that may breathe new life into any previous Droid.