Pixel Launcher Archives

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

14 essential Android apps I install and update through Obtainium

Obtanium is an app that allows users to install, update, and manage apps from various platforms like F-Droid, GitHub, and the vivo Store. Breezy Weather is a weather app designed for Google Pixel users, providing comprehensive weather details and integrating with the Pixel Launcher. Nobook is a wrapper for Facebook Lite that offers ad-blocking features and customization options for a streamlined experience. Forkyz aggregates crossword puzzles from various sources, providing entertainment for crossword enthusiasts. Suntimes is an older app that tracks daylight hours, useful for planning outdoor activities. Canta helps users remove unwanted system-level applications, allowing for device decluttering. Shizuku grants system-level access to other applications, enhancing their functionality, particularly for power users. Kvaesitso is a launcher with infinite vertical scrolling and extensive widget support, offering customization options. Tubular is a lightweight alternative to the stock YouTube app, blocking sponsor segments and reintegrating the dislike counter. Aurora Store allows users to access Play Store apps without needing a Google account, appealing to privacy-conscious users. ColorBlendr enables users to customize their device's theme colors for a personalized look. Fennec is a privacy-focused browser based on Mozilla Firefox, eliminating trackers and supporting add-ons. SmartSpacer enhances the At A Glance widget by overlaying information from third-party apps. Exodus provides insights into installed apps, revealing trackers and permissions for privacy-conscious users. OSS Document Scanner is an open-source app that combines OCR capabilities with visual editing features for document management.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Android 17 Beta 1 brings two small but useful Pixel Launcher UI changes

Android 17 beta 1 was released on February 13, 2026, introducing several UI changes to the Pixel Launcher. The home screen search bar has a slimmer, customizable design, allowing users to replace the AI Mode shortcut with tools like Gemini Live or Translate. Users can now remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. Additional minor enhancements include a refreshed brightness icon in Quick Settings and improved access to volume panel settings.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

How to Get Samsung Galaxy’s Best Feature on Your Pixel (or Any Android)

The Panels app developed by Fossor Coding is an alternative to Samsung's Edge Panels, offering features such as custom icon packs, quick search shortcuts, and floating widgets. Users can customize the app by repositioning the trigger point, setting up multiple columns (up to seven), and adding various items to the sidebar, including applications, shortcuts, app pairs, accessibility options, system preferences, websites, floating widgets, folders, contacts, and quick search. The free version allows for three columns and nine rows, while the paid version offers additional capabilities for .50. To customize, users must install the app, grant permissions, and use the View button to set up their panel. A pro tip for efficiency includes keeping a thumb on the screen after swiping in to quickly select and launch apps or shortcuts.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google App Revamps Voice Search Feature on Android

Google has redesigned its voice search feature for Android devices to improve accessibility and user experience. Key features include a modernized design with a centered gradient ‘G’, a back button with a three-dot overflow menu for voice settings, options for language and voice selection, and an updated dark theme. The new interface replaces the previous four-dot waveform design with a prompt stating “Listening…” and a friendly face illustration, along with a vibrant four-color arc beneath the transcribed query. Enhancements include a larger “Search a song” button that leads to a dedicated song search interface, encouraging users to “Play, Sing, Hum,” and a shortcut to Song Search history. The update is being gradually rolled out with version 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android devices, but is not yet widely accessible. There is anticipation for a potential upgrade to the text search interface to align with the new voice search features.

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Google app finally redesigns voice search on Android

Google is redesigning its voice search feature on Android to improve user experience. The update can be accessed via the homescreen widget or any Google Search bar within the app. When a query is initiated, users see a standard results page while receiving an audible response. The new design includes a centered ‘G’ gradient, a back button, and a three-dot overflow menu for Voice settings. Users can customize language options, toggle spoken results, and select from various voices: Cosmo, Neso, Terra, or Cassini. The dark theme has been updated for better visual appeal. The interface shows a “Listening…” prompt with a face illustration and displays the transcribed query above a four-color arc. A larger “Search a song” button leads to a dedicated song search interface, inviting users to “Play, Sing, Hum.” A shortcut to Song Search history is also available. The rollout is ongoing with versions 17.1 (stable) and 17.2 (beta) of the Google app on Android, but it is not yet widely available.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Google is quietly making the Pixel Launcher faster with a new shortcut

Google is rolling out an upgrade to the Pixel Launcher that allows users to launch applications by typing part of the app's name and pressing the Enter key on their keyboard. This change eliminates the need to tap on the app icon from search results, making the app-launching process more efficient. Previously, pressing the bottom-right button on the keyboard would trigger a Google Search instead of launching the app, but the update changes this button to an arrow or Enter key when an app match is detected. This enhancement improves one-handed usability and reflects Google's commitment to refining user experience. The rollout is server-side and not tied to a specific app update, with some users already experiencing the new functionality while others have not yet seen it.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Pixel’s home screen search just got worse for everyday use

Google is replacing the Pixel Launcher's native search with a full-screen Google Search interface powered by the Google app as part of the November 2025 Pixel Feature Drop. The new search UI removes quick access to contacts and device settings, which many users perceive as a downgrade. The change aims to facilitate quicker access to AI Mode and will display more suggested apps at the top of the screen.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

AppContext To Keep Apps Alive In Android

Google is set to enhance tablet multitasking in the upcoming Android Q release by introducing a new gesture that allows users to create a compact floating "bubble" window for any app. This feature will enable users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to the screen's bottom corners, facilitating a more seamless app-switching experience. The floating windows will allow various applications, such as browsers and note-taking tools, to float above the main workspace, enabling users to engage with multiple applications simultaneously, particularly on larger devices. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience on Android tablets and foldable devices by providing a more intuitive multitasking environment. The feature will utilize the Bubbles API and is expected to be rolled out for user testing as part of Google's quarterly platform release schedule.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

Android on tablets is eyeing an upgrade that could finally ease app multi-tasking

Google is enhancing multitasking on Android tablets by introducing a feature that allows users to launch any app in a floating bubble. This feature, identified in the Android 2510 Canary build, enables users to drag an app icon from the taskbar to open it in a floating bubble window. It facilitates simultaneous use of applications like YouTube, Chrome, or Messages, improving workflow. Although not officially confirmed, it is speculated to be included in Android 16’s third quarterly release (QPR3) around March of next year. The floating bubbles feature enhances productivity by allowing users to stream, chat, or browse while engaged in other tasks, offering a more efficient alternative to split-screen mode. It is integrated into the taskbar and home screen for a more intuitive experience. This capability could transform Android tablets into effective multitasking devices, allowing users to manage multiple tasks without switching between apps and optimizing screen space on smaller tablets.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Google is quietly testing a better app launch shortcut for the Pixel Launcher

Recent user reports indicate a potential enhancement in the Pixel Launcher, where the search bar now highlights the app name with "open" next to it, and the search button has changed to an arrow or enter button, allowing users to launch applications directly from the keyboard. This change is currently limited to a small number of users as part of a server-side test, with no widespread rollout confirmed yet.