Although it is not perfect, the pixel launcher is my favorite choice among all the stock launchers of Android OEM. It contains all the important features I need, including a system scale of the system scale.
Although it is not as customizable as other launchers from the first part, Google has regularly committed this gap with recent Android updates.
I miss Nova Launcher’s features, but the pixel launcher was good enough for daily use – until I try an intelligent launcher.
Gestures in Gogo
More than sweeping and taps
On the pixel launcher, I can slide down the home screen to display the notification panel, another sweeping the quick setting panel.
With a scanning up, I can open the application drawer with the search bar and the keyboard summoned for rapid search for system scale between contacts, files, YouTube music, Google services, etc.
These two are among my most used home screen gestures. But then, I tried Smart Launcher and used the plethora of gestures it supports.
To start, I set up gestures for most shortcuts on the home screen of my pixel. So if I double the phone application icon, it will call my wife.
Likewise, a left scanning tap on the shortcut of the Pixel camera opens the selfie camera. For some applications, like YouTube Music, I have mapped the double -filming gesture to raise their widget.
Individually, these scruting of application icons may not seem to be a big problem. But in daily use, they save me several taps and allowed me to jump directly into a specific part of an application.
Admittedly, the configuration of the icons shortcuts of the application is a long process. But during the configuration, they transform the way you use your phone, allowing you to do things faster.
These shortcuts of application icons are added to the simple and double gestures in mind that the intelligent launcher supports.
I use some of these gestures, but not all, to prevent things from compensating too quickly. For example, I mapped the gesture of slipping to trigger intelligent research.
Pixel Launcher also has a system scale research tool, but the version of Smart Launcher seems faster and much more flexible, because it displays applications shortcuts and calendar events.
With Google working on the addition of limited personalization of application icons to the pixel launcher, its next objective should be to provide gesture support.
Well -made organization of the application drawer
No more endless scrolling
Most of the time, I use the pixel launcher’s search function to find and quickly open the application I need. But on the rare occasions, I plunge into the application drawer, I am welcomed with an infinite list of all the installed applications.
Smart Launcher tackles this problem by carefully sorting the applications in categories such as communication, productivity and entertainment.
So, instead of a long unorganized list, I receive a structured application drawer, which facilitates the search for the application that I want, less frustration.
On the left: the pixel launcher application drawer is basic. Right: Automatic categorization of applications in Smart Launcher.
The best part is that Smart Launcher automatically sorts applications in categories, doing the hard work for me. In each category, I can organize more applications by name, use or other criteria.
Google could draw inspiration from the smart launcher and add an automatic categorization of applications to the pixel launcher application drawer. At the very least, an appropriate file medium would help reduce endless scrolling.
The application drawer is one of the aspects of the pixel launcher that Google desperately needs to correct.
Well -made icon customization
Styles forms, you are in control
For all the customization options Google added to the pixel launcher, it is still lacking in the management of the icons pack.
And it’s a shame because the play store is filled with good options. You are limited to themed icons and the personalization of icons forms.
Smart Launcher goes beyond the management of the icons pack. You can change icons, adjust their size and refine their position with specific controls.
You also get advanced customization options for the widgets, such as setting the icon size, personalized padding or even the masking of icon labels for a cleaner look.
Put everything and Smart Launcher gives you the tools to build house screens that feel both personal and practical.
Am I using all these options? No. But it is good to know that they are available, so that every time I bored with my current home screen, I can customize everything for a new look.
With the pixel launcher, my personalization options are limited to the modification of the wallpaper and to the selection of a different application icon. And this is not far far enough, in particular for an operating system that prides itself on flexibility and personalization.
I don’t go back to the pixel launcher
Somartphone domestic screens no longer consist in accommodating all the application shortcuts you use frequently. It is time they evolve, offering more personalization and flexibility options.
Pixel Launcher obtains the right bases, but for an operating system which is a question of personalization, it does not offer enough. After being held there for so long, going to Smart Launcher made me realize how much I missed.
It is easy to forget how powerful third-party launchers can be, especially with the treatment of steps they get so often.
