If you’ve been active on tech Twitter recently, you might have stumbled upon Race Johnson’s engaging post showcasing app icons adorned with a playful disco ball effect, affectionately dubbed “discomorphism.” This whimsical concept captured the attention of many, including Android President Sameer Samat, who humorously suggested the creation of a disco icon pack for Android, even teasing a Chrome icon featuring the same design.
Fast forward to last Friday, and Samat delivered on his promise by announcing the availability of disco icons for Pixel phones. This is not a whimsical April Fool’s joke or a lighthearted quip in the wake of Google I/O; the disco app icons are indeed real and ready for download on your Pixel device.
Google’s disco icon pack: Hot or not?
In a recent poll, opinions on the disco icon pack were split, with 53% voting it “hot” and 47% deeming it “not.” The playful debate reflects the mixed feelings surrounding this unique design.
What you need to download Google’s disco icons
To access the disco icon pack, your Pixel must be running Android 16 QPR3. This update began rolling out in March, so unless you’ve been deliberately avoiding software updates, you should already have it installed on your device. Android 16 QPR3 introduced a new “Create” option for icon packs, featuring five styles of AI-generated icons, including whimsical designs like Scribbles, Cookies, and Easel. This update is compatible with every Pixel model starting from the Pixel 6 series, ensuring that most users can join in on the fun.
To verify your Pixel’s Android version, navigate to Settings -> About phone and scroll down to find Android version. If you discover that your version is older than QPR3, updating is simple: go to Settings -> System -> Software updates -> System update.
How to use the disco icon pack on your Pixel
Once you confirm that your Pixel is up to date, accessing the disco icon pack is a breeze. Follow these steps:
- Press and hold on any blank area of your home screen.
- Tap Wallpaper & style.
- Tap Icons.
- Tap Create.
- Tap Disco.
- Tap Download.
After a brief wait for the download to complete, the disco pack will appear under “Your styles” on the custom icons page. Simply swipe home, and your Pixel will be adorned with the vibrant disco app icon pack.
As with Google’s previous AI-generated icon packs, the results can vary. Some app icons adapt beautifully to the disco aesthetic, while others may not translate as effectively. Additionally, the uniform black background for each icon might not appeal to everyone. However, the mere existence of this pack is noteworthy, especially considering the swift turnaround by Sameer and the Android team. This development sparks optimism for the future of custom icon packs. While support for third-party packs from the Play Store would be a welcome addition, the rapid creation of new styles by Google is a promising sign for users seeking personalization options.
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