These are the Nova Launcher options I need to see on Pixels

I’m an enormous fan of the Pixel Launcher. A lot so, that I truly ditched Nova Launcher after I switched from OnePlus to a Google cellphone. Nonetheless, whereas I admire its clear, easy UI and nice options, I believe there’s undoubtedly room for enchancment.

Nova Launcher has a wealth of options, and there are a number of that I miss and would like to see on Pixel telephones. I’ll information you thru the primary ones.

All issues app-related

Most of the Nova Launcher options I like are app-related. For instance, I’m very keen on the flexibility to create Drawer teams, which permits me to kind apps throughout the app drawer primarily based on their objective. I typically have a easy system arrange, separating work-related apps from all the pieces else.

I don’t have a ton of work-related apps, however I nonetheless want quick access to them. A devoted Work tab within the app drawer is the proper answer, permitting me to entry all these apps in a single place with only a faucet or two — with out manually looking by means of an inventory of all of the apps I’ve put in on my cellphone. My dwelling display screen is usually full of simply the important apps I would like for private use, as I don’t need any work-related ones cluttering it.

The choice to customise the grid dimension on each the house display screen and the app drawer is one other characteristic I actually like. My Pixel has this selection, though just for the house display screen and never the app drawer. Nonetheless, the alternatives are restricted, with the grid dimension of 5×5 being essentially the most you’ll be able to go for.

With Nova Launcher, there are tons of prospects. I can choose what number of apps I need vertically and horizontally, so I can customise my dwelling display screen — in addition to the app drawer — precisely to my liking. I like the choice of extending the vertical grid to seven apps, since my show is sort of tall and may simply accommodate them with out trying too cluttered. Packing extra apps on one display screen has an enormous profit for me, as I would like fewer dwelling screens in whole and may discover apps within the app drawer quicker.

Then there’s the dock on the house display screen, which I actually like and use to put my most essential and used apps. Granted, the Pixel Launcher has a dock as nicely, however the customization choices are slim to none. It’s a distinct story with Nova Launcher, as I can customise absolutely anything. For instance, I can change the scale of the icons, making them greater than the opposite ones on the house display screen in order that they stand out extra. I can choose to show or disguise the app names, set the padding, and the variety of apps I need the dock to carry. I may even change the colour of the dock and the radius of the corners for a softer look. I typically maintain it easy, however you’ll be able to go loopy with it if you need. I may even take away the search bar from the dock, which might’t be performed on my Pixel.

Again to the app drawer, Pixels solely provide vertical scrolling, which I’m not an enormous fan of. I choose horizontal scrolling. It at all times felt extra pure to me, as I can flick between pages similar to on my dwelling display screen. There are additionally all kinds of animations to select from if that’s your factor. I’ve them turned of since they irritate me, however they’re there in case you want them.

Pixels additionally lack correct gestures. I really like those provided by OnePlus, and it’s the most important factor I missed when switching to a Pixel. With Nova Launcher, gestures develop into much more highly effective. I can open an app, pull down notifications, and carry out duties like locking the display screen with varied gestures. These embody swiping in varied instructions, tapping, pinching out and in, and extra. You’ll be able to even arrange shortcuts. To offer you an instance, you’ll be able to double-tap the display screen to open your browser in incognito mode.

I’ve a number of gestures arrange. The classics embody swiping all the way down to develop the notification menu and swiping as much as open the app drawer, that are commonplace on Pixel telephones anyway. A double faucet turns off the display screen for me, whereas swiping proper opens up a brand new process in my process administration app Todoist. To deliver up the climate radar for my area to see if it’ll rain and when, I swipe down with two fingers.

It does take a while to study all of the gestures you arrange, particularly if there are various, however muscle reminiscence takes over after per week or so.

I’d like to see Pixel implement an identical gesture system. It doesn’t must be as strong as Nova Launcher’s, however a minimum of give us one thing, Google.

There are a bunch of smaller customizations provided by Nova Launcher that I completely love. You’ll be able to actually make each a part of the UI your personal. I can change the nook radius of a folder, for instance. Whether or not I need an ideal sq. or one thing with softer edges, Nova Launcher has me coated. I may change the folder’s look, which incorporates the icon format.

I can change the design of icons from spherical to sq. and all the pieces in between. These small adjustments add up, and by implementing them, the UI can look utterly totally different. It’s a breath of contemporary air after utilizing a cellphone for a very long time. A brand new shade scheme, new icon design, and different particulars make it really feel like I’ve a brand-new cellphone. I may even select the scale of notification badges and icons. For a cleaner look, I can disguise app names so I see solely the icons.

These are the small issues that will elevate the Pixel expertise in my thoughts. I do know Google is all about simplicity, which is why it avoids extreme customization choices. However Pixel customers are typically individuals who know and love their telephones, and I believe they — with me included — would profit from these additional choices.