Google Pixel users have discovered a treasure trove of applications that extend far beyond the confines of the Play Store. While the official store offers a plethora of options, many exceptional Android applications reside in third-party repositories, prompting a growing number of users to embrace the art of sideloading. This practice not only enhances the functionality of devices like the Pixel 8 but also opens doors to innovative tools that complement the core features of the Pixel experience.
Boost At a Glance’s utility in a pinch
For those who own a Google Pixel phone, the Smartspacer app is a revelation waiting to be explored. This tool significantly enhances the functionality of the At a Glance widget, a staple of the Pixel Launcher. By integrating seamlessly with third-party applications and Google services, Smartspacer transforms the information strip at the top of the screen into a more dynamic and useful feature.
While the standard At a Glance experience allows for basic toggling of items, Smartspacer elevates this capability through a more complex setup involving ADB and Shizuku. Once activated, it extends control over At a Glance, offering a superior alternative to traditional widgets. Notably, the enhancements also apply to the Always-On Display (AOD), ensuring that vital information is accessible whether the device is locked or in use.
Smartspacer is readily available on GitHub, where users can also find various plugins developed by its creator to further augment its functionality.
Keep your sideloaded apps up to date (and find even more!)
One of the significant advantages of the Play Store is its ability to automatically update applications in the background, ensuring that users always have the latest versions. However, those who sideload apps often face the challenge of manually updating them, which can be cumbersome. Enter Obtanium, a tool designed to streamline this process.
Obtanium acts as a centralized hub for managing sideloaded applications, allowing users to search for updates across multiple online sources. With its user-friendly interface, it enables users to monitor all installed or tracked apps effortlessly. When an update is available, users can simply access Obtanium to install it, mimicking the seamless experience of the Play Store. This application is available on both GitHub and F-Droid, and it can also search F-Droid repositories, making it a versatile addition to any Pixel user’s toolkit.
Embrace the best large weather widget for Pixels
Breezy Weather stands out as a premier weather application that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. As a free app, it offers an impressive array of features and design elements that seamlessly integrate with the Pixel’s Material design ethos. Users can select from various weather providers, ensuring that they receive accurate and relevant data for their region.
The app presents weather information through customizable cards, displaying essential metrics such as temperature, wind speed, and UV index. With forecasts extending well into the future, Breezy Weather serves as an excellent companion to primary weather tools, such as Meteogram.
While some may wonder why the official Pixel Weather app isn’t the go-to choice, Breezy Weather’s superior accuracy and user-friendly interface make it a clear favorite. The app’s large widget design is particularly appealing, resembling the polished aesthetics of Google’s own offerings. Breezy Weather can be found on both F-Droid and GitHub, and like Smartspacer, it can be kept up to date using Obtanium.
This curated selection of sideloaded applications showcases the potential for enhancing the Pixel experience. For those who have ventured beyond the Play Store, what are your favorite apps that perfectly complement your Google device? Your insights could inspire others to explore the vast world of sideloaded applications.
