Latest news with #PixelLauncher
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
You're the software head for Google Pixel: What would you add, revive, or copy from other phones?
Joe Maring / Android Authority 🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. I have a love/hate relationship with my Google Pixel. On one hand, I love the smaller software features that often go unnoticed but significantly enhance my experience. 'Flip to Shhh' and 'Now Playing' are just two examples. On the other hand, I do notice some concerning issues. The clean UI is a refreshing change from a Samsung phone, but the Pixel Launcher lacks several features. I've mentioned this before, but the launcher's limited customization options and the simpler choices offered by third-party launchers are missing. Despite my efforts to fix it, Google Discover remains a mess, constantly showing me ad-laden articles I don't care about. Additionally, there are numerous AI features I simply don't use. While I regularly use Circle to Search, I haven't used Magic Eraser or Call Screening. I'd love to use the latter, but it's unavailable in my region. Go figure. Like every device line, the Google Pixel series' software has pros and cons, but I'm curious how you would address the latter. Imagine you're the head of Pixel software. With the Pixel 10 just around the corner, what software improvements, additions, and revisions would you want to see on future devices? The sky's the limit. Here are some more questions: What old software feature do you wish Google would bring back to the Pixel series? Are there features on other phones that you'd like Google to adopt? Have AI features enhanced your Pixel experience? If so, which feature and how? In my opinion, Pixel Launcher is one of the device line's weaker aspects. How would you improve it? Would you trade the Pixel line's fast update schedule for more detailed, less frequent updates that address your software concerns? Be sure to vote in the poll below, too! Which software improvement would you like to see on Google Pixels? 0 votes Reintroduce retired features, such as Google Now. NaN % Add more camera-related and image editing features. NaN % Enhance the Pixel Launcher experience with support for icon packs, widget stacking, and more. NaN % Provide more customization options for the status bar, notification shade, and quick settings. NaN % Support additional gestures. NaN % Develop more powerful AI features, including a more reliable Gemini experience. NaN % Improve specific Google apps (please specify how and which apps in the comments). NaN % Other (mention which software feature you would add to your Pixel in the comments). NaN % 👇 And if you have a specific comment related to your poll choice or want to answer any of the questions above, be sure to have your say in the comments below. Follow
Android Authority
29-07-2025
- Android Authority
Google is working on AI-powered custom icon themes for your Pixel phone
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Google may be working on new AI-powered icon customization features for Pixel phones. This feature could solve the inconsistent look of the current 'Themed icons' feature, which many apps still do not support. Code discovered in a recent update points to new 'AI icon' and 'Create' style options. Google Pixel devices offer many unique software features, but they lag behind when it comes to basic customization options, at least out of the box. For instance, to change your app icons, you have to ditch the stock Pixel Launcher — and its excellent universal search bar — for a third-party alternative. Fortunately, Google is working on a fix that could let you create custom icon themes using AI, finally improving home screen customization on Pixels. You're reading an Authority Insights story. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. These reports reflect developments at the time of writing. Some features or details uncovered in leaks may change before official release. Currently, Pixel devices have a single icon customization option: Themed icons. This feature tints app icons to match the dominant color of your wallpaper, but it only works for apps whose developers have provided a monochromatic icon. Unfortunately, many popular apps still haven't adopted this, resulting in an inconsistent home screen with a hodgepodge of themed and unthemed icons. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority To solve this, Google has a few options. It could continue waiting for developers to add support, but that 'wait and see' approach hasn't been effective, even three years after the feature was introduced. Another option is to force developers to provide monochromatic icons, but the company likely wants to avoid potential backlash. The third path is to bypass developers by deploying an algorithm to automatically tint existing icons. While this can be challenging to implement perfectly for every icon, it's an approach that companies like Apple and Nothing have already adopted with varying success. Back in early 2023, I discovered that Google was experimenting with a feature to automatically generate monochromatic icons for apps that don't supply them. While that feature never launched, it seems the company is revisiting the idea. Digging through the latest Android Canary build released last week, I found new code strings in the Wallpaper & Style app — the hub for all home screen customization on Pixel devices. These strings suggest you'll be able to choose from four distinct styles for your app icons: Default : Leaves app icons unmodified. : Leaves app icons unmodified. Minimal : Uses the monochromatic version of app icons. : Uses the monochromatic version of app icons. AI icon : Use AI to generate a custom icon style automatically (?) : Use AI to generate a custom icon style automatically (?) Create: Lets you build your own custom icon style (?) Here are the relevant strings from the app: Code Copy Text Style Default Minimal AI icon Create By inspecting the code of the Wallpaper & Style app, we confirmed that these four options are distinct and that the 'Minimal' style corresponds to the existing monochrome icon feature. However, we couldn't determine how the 'AI icon' or 'Create' options work, as they are not yet implemented in this version of the app. It's possible these features are currently limited to internal builds or are part of another app entirely. In addition to icon styles, Google is also working on letting you customize icon shapes, a feature we previously demonstrated. As for when Google will launch these new icon customization options, we don't have a clear answer. We recently spotted evidence that Google is developing theme packs for Pixel phones, so it's likely these new icon options will launch as part of that broader theme support. If you don't want to wait for Google to roll these features out, you can install a third-party Android launcher on your Pixel that supports custom icon packs. Follow
Android Authority
28-07-2025
- Android Authority
I was a Niagara Launcher doubter until I built my ultimate productivity home screen
Andy Walker / Android Authority There was a time when Nova Launcher was the only home screen app I'd consider using on my Android phones. It was the pinnacle of the genre, offering a dizzying array of customization options and a wealth of search features. However, as my need for a launcher that enhances focus and productivity grew, Nova fell off my radar. I began exploring the many alternatives available. My current launcher choice is Kvaesitso, thanks to its unique vertically biased design and quick search capabilities. I've also tried stock setups with Pixel Launcher and One UI Home, and even gave Microsoft Launcher a spin for a few weeks. However, more recently, I've been using the latest version of Niagara Launcher. This wasn't because I wanted a change, but to test one of its new features for a hands-on piece. Surprisingly, it's still taking care of my app launching duties as I write this. What is your home screen philosophy? 0 votes I focus on maximizing efficiency and productivity. NaN % I focus on aesthetics and visual delight. NaN % I cram as much as I can on my home screen, widgets and all. NaN % I don't really have one; I just use the default layout given to me. NaN % Other (explain your philosophy in the comments). NaN % As mentioned, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect setup that promotes efficiency and productivity. With Niagara, I believe I've found the best version of this yet. My vision for a productive home screen One UI Home Pixel Launcher The notions of productivity and efficiency vary for everyone, but for me, it's about minimizing clutter, making shortcuts easy to reach, and maintaining aesthetic consistency. I think of the Android launcher as a road system connecting me to arterial avenues on my phone. It should allow me to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Niagara Launcher's design philosophy dovetails with these goals. If you haven't used it before, it ditches the traditional gridded home screen design found in Nova and others, replacing it with a simplified favorites list and an alphabetical jump list for everything else. A home screen should have minimal clutter, make shortcuts easy to reach, and offer aesthetic consistency. Niagara covers all bases. I struggled with this concept when I first used the launcher several years ago, but with my changing demands, it makes plenty of sense now. It allows users to focus in on their list of treasured apps, reducing the time required to find them. It takes some getting used to, but I've found that it saves me heaps of time. My Niagara Launcher setup, and how I use the launcher's key features Andy Walker / Android Authority While Niagara can arrange apps on my home screen automatically by frequency of use, I prefer to organize my favorites manually. I have a habit of frequently opening certain apps, like Instagram, which I want pinned but not easily accessible. My favorites list is as follows: Camera WhatsApp Instagram Work (Folder) Weather (Folder) Gmail Google Maps Play Store Firefox RedReader Shopping (Folder) Google News All told, I have 12 favorites pinned to my home screen, exceeding Niagara's recommendation of eight, but I like to maximize my screen's real estate, and a dozen fits perfectly. Andy Walker / Android Authority So why this particular order? Well, these apps are loosely grouped. Those I access often — those numbered between 7 and 11 — are positioned lower down on the list as they're closest to my thumb for one-handed use. At the top, I include apps I use less frequently or those that I generally need two hands to use in any case, like Camera and WhatsApp. Other favorites are arranged around these areas. Niagara's folder and popup features ensure that I can access even more apps beyond those pinned to my favorites list. As indicated on the list, I use a combination of favorite shortcuts (shortcuts that immediately open the pinned app after a tap) and Niagara's folder system, which I absolutely love. Folders look and feel like regular favorites, but instead of opening a single app, they expand to reveal more in a pop-up menu. I have folders for Work, Weather, and Shopping, containing apps I frequently visit within these categories. Niagara allows me to edit the pop-up menus for every favorite, even favorite app shortcuts. I can essentially hide other apps within a single app's shortcut, which is beneficial for quickly accessing genre-adjacent apps. To elaborate, take my Firefox favorite shortcut. Its pop-up includes Firefox Focus, Chrome (personal), Chrome Canary (for work), Authy, and Bitwarden. WhatsApp includes Google Messages and Google Phone. Google Maps includes Waze, OsmAnd, and Tripadvisor. Pop-ups can also house widgets, and this little detail elevates Niagara's status in my book. Widgets don't expand to fill the entire screen but reside at the top of the pop-up context menu. Widgets can also be stacked, saving space and reducing visual clutter. I use this to great effect within the Weather folder, which houses two Meteogram weather widgets displaying a graph of conditions for the next 12 hours and the next seven days, as well as a Weather & Radar map. I'm also trialing a Google Keep widget that contains my shopping list in the Shopping folder. Finally, this setup wouldn't be complete without some notification management, and Niagara has become exceptional at quashing these distractions. The launcher displays a summary of notifications below related favorites and folders. For instance, when I get an SMS, that notification appears below WhatsApp's favorite. This little design detail lets me dismiss notifications directly from the home screen. The Notification Summary feature also provides a digest of notifications every few hours, allowing me to dismiss, action, or reschedule those repetitive but important pings I may have missed. Niagara makes it easy to view and dismiss notifications directly from the home screen. All it takes is a tap and a swipe. As I've mentioned, aesthetics are essential for me. Here's how I've set up the various visual elements. Wallpaper: I previously used a wallpaper changer, but with Niagara, I keep it simple. I use one of the launcher's built-in wallpapers from the Gradient folder. You can see some of the available options in the screenshots above. Icons: Niagara's icon masking system, Anycons, is the best I've used. It covers every app with a related icon, ensuring aesthetic coherence. To access it, go to Niagara settings > Look > Icons. My current favorite is Bright. Font: I use my phone's system font for consistency, but Niagara has plenty of great built-in font options. Adjust it by going to Niagara settings > Look > Font. Niagara also supports user-installed fonts, a feature I wish One UI Home had. Main Widget: I use the Niagara widget as the default home screen header, enabling Weather, Calendar, and Clock options. It also displays playing media from a select list of approved apps and my phone's battery percentage, which is often hidden on the status bar. Gestures: Niagara has minimal gesture support, but the available options are still quite useful. My current gesture setup includes: Swipe up: Search Swipe down: Quick shade/notifications Swipe right on a favorite: Access its pop-up and pinned widgets. This action also dismisses a notification when they're present. Niagara Button: This user-editable button allows a few more gestures, and a single tap shortcut. My setup includes: Tap: Search Swipe up: Open phone settings Every little feature Niagara provides saves me a small sliver of time. Over the course of the day, I'm saving minutes with this setup. Of course, this arrangement may not appeal to everyone, but it does hit all the notes I need it to. The most efficient home screen I've had in ages Andy Walker / Android Authority I first used Niagara in 2021 and even purchased a Pro license at the time, but I didn't quite appreciate its minimalist design. However, since returning to it in 2025, it has met my needs perfectly. It's also clear that the developers have put a lot of thought and effort into it. I've tried many productivity-first layouts on many launchers, but this Niagara setup is my favorite yet. I don't think my setup is perfect, though, and I foresee some changes in the coming weeks. There is some redundancy that I could smooth out, while I really should find a way to quell my Instagram habit for good. But for now, this arrangement has served me well. I've spent far less time using my phone as a fidget spinner and have Niagara to thank. What do you think of my setup? If you have any comments, perhaps suggestions on how I could improve it, insight on how you'd tackle this challenge, or any Niagara-related anecdotes, please drop a comment below. Follow
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Business Standard
28-07-2025
- Business Standard
Google adds 'AI Mode' option upfront on Android Search widget: Details here
Reportedly, the new AI Mode shortcut in the Google Search widget is now available on most Android phones, expanding access beyond Pixel devices New Delhi Google is reportedly rolling out a new AI Mode shortcut to the Google Search homescreen widget on Android that gives users quicker access to generative AI features directly from their home screen. According to a report by 9to5Google, this shortcut is now widely available across both beta and stable versions of the Google app (v16.28). This update follows Google's ongoing push to integrate generative AI more deeply into its mobile apps. AI Mode shortcut Previously, it was exclusive to Pixel Launcher, but is now rolling out widely on Android platform. Once available, it will allow users to directly type prompts into the full-screen AI Mode interface, similar to performing a standard Google search but with AI-powered enhancements. In the redesigned Search widget, the AI Mode button appears as a standalone circular icon, positioned to the right of the voice search microphone and Google Lens icons. To enable it, users can long-press the Search widget on their homescreen, then navigate to Customise, where options for Theme, Transparency, and Shortcuts are available. Within Shortcuts, 'AI Mode' appears as the second option in the grid. For non-Pixel users who are not part of the 'AI Mode' Search Labs experience, this new widget shortcut provides the fastest way to launch AI Mode. On devices not yet enrolled in Search Labs, the AI Mode shortcut appears as a pill-shaped button within the colourful carousel below the Search bar, rather than being embedded directly in it. What is AI Mode AI Mode is powered by Google's Gemini 2.5 multimodal AI model and lets users use Search more naturally and visually. You can speak a question, upload an image, or take a photo with Google Lens and then ask questions about what you see. AI Mode also uses real-time local info, shopping results, and data from Google's Knowledge Graph to give more helpful and relevant answers. The feature is available in the Google app on both Android and iOS.
Android Authority
18-07-2025
- Android Authority
Google rolls back Pixel's controversial At a Glance change in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Google has restored colorful weather icons to Pixel's At a Glance widget in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3. The earlier all-white icon design faced criticism for reducing readability. The update also includes larger weather text and various other Pixel improvements. Google is walking back a recent design change in the Pixel Launcher's At a Glance widget. With the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update, colorful weather icons are returning after the company briefly switched to an all-white, minimalist look in the earlier beta release. The shift to white icons in the first beta was met with mixed reactions from users. Some users appreciated the clean aesthetic, while others found the change less functional, noting that the icons blended into the background and made it harder to quickly understand weather conditions. Google now seems to be responding to that feedback. The At a Glance widget in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 not only brings back colorful weather icons but also increases the font size of the weather data, making it easier to read at a glance. At a glance white weather icons in previous beta At a glance colorful weather icons in new beta The return of color improves visibility, and the weather information now stands out more clearly from the day and date, making it easier to interpret with just a quick look. Beyond the weather icon update, Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 also includes several other improvements and fixes for Pixel devices. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
