Pixel Launcher has an all new look
- Fariha Khan
- September 23, 2016
- 550
Rounded icons and 3D Touch-like shortcuts, the Pixel Launcher has a lot more than a standard Android Launcher
Formerly known as the “Nexus Launcher”, there has been much buzz about a new Android launcher before the release of Google’s Pixel. It has now become the “Pixel Launcher” to mirror Pixel’s branding. It has a fresh look and feels compared to other Android launchers. However, there is more to it…
There are couple of notable changes that Google has made for the homescreen. One is related to icons. While Android has always had diverse icons that provide variety to the homescreen. But Google has taken a new approach by making Circular icons. They give a great impression and this change is for good as it seems for now.
Well, what you may find more exciting is a snippet of code that is there in some Google apps, including Duo. In the snippet we can see references to 2 icons: the standard and the rounded. It means that these apps will only make use of use the circular icon on the Pixel launcher, not on others. While this is not confirmed yet, considering the facts we have got to know so far we can say that these will be available on the Pixel Launcher only.
As it seems, the Pixel Launcher is to bring back launcher shortcuts. These were earlier found in the 2nd Android N developer preview and work quite like that of 3D Touch on iOS. It is not clear whether this will be accessed by gesture, pressure sensitive displays or long-pressing an icon.
Like Pixel Launcher, the Google Calendar icon is also getting the new round shape but with a new icon. It would make the icons of the app to complement the date in standard or round formats.