App shortcuts, a feature introduced with Android 7.1 in October 2016, have undergone subtle user interface changes over the years while maintaining their core functionality. These shortcuts serve as convenient gateways to specific tasks within applications, enhancing user efficiency.
Utilizing App Shortcuts
Among the app shortcuts I frequently rely on are Chrome’s New Tab and New Incognito Tab, which allow for swift navigation without the distraction of multiple open tabs. The Play Store’s My apps shortcut is invaluable for quickly accessing updates, while Gmail shortcuts enable direct entry into specific accounts. Recently, I’ve also started using Fitbit’s Log Water feature, although it could benefit from a visual refresh, similar to many Google applications.
Other noteworthy app shortcuts include:
- Files by Google: Downloads
- Google Calendar: New task, particularly useful for those utilizing the integrated Google Tasks experience
- Google Keep: New text note, though the new Floating Action Button (FAB) behavior somewhat alleviates the need for this
- Google Maps: Home and Work
- Pixel Camera: Take a selfie and Take a video
For my part, I prefer to long-press the application icon to access the menu rather than clutter my homescreen with shortcuts. One design tweak has been the removal of the explicit indicator for dragging and placing shortcuts, which can lead to some confusion. While I have experimented with a more direct approach, I find it more practical to reserve homescreen space for primary app icons, ensuring easy navigation back to where I left off. A potential solution could be to organize all app shortcuts within a dedicated folder or even place them in the dock for quick access.
Room for Improvement
While Android app shortcuts are generally effective, there are several enhancements I would appreciate. Recently, the Play Store introduced a Collections app shortcut, repositioning My apps further up the list. Although my muscle memory has adapted, the option to hide unused shortcuts—perhaps through the App info menu—would be a welcome addition. For instance, I would utilize the View screenshots shortcut for Google Photos if it weren’t overshadowed by more prominent options like Free up space and I’m Feeling Lucky.
Apps are currently limited to a maximum of four shortcuts, which is generally sufficient. However, a more compact presentation could enhance usability. Some users might prefer a layout without text labels, allowing for a grid or a single line of shortcuts, which would facilitate one-handed operation.
Lastly, a minor annoyance persists with the long-press action on the Pixel Launcher, which inadvertently suggests that the icon is about to be dragged to a new location. Similarly, on Samsung’s One UI, the icon’s movement during menu access can be distracting.
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