14 DAY TRIAL // Google has just released the highly acclaimed Google Now Launcher that’s been included in the Nexus 5 since its launch as a separate download. There were lots of rumors in the past that hinted to this move, but no confirmation came from Google, so we didn’t expect this to happen so soon.
Unfortunately, not all is bright and breezy for Android users and the reasons are pretty simple: Google Now Launcher is only available for a small fraction of them.
If you were dying to get the exquisitely stylish Nexus 5-bounded launcher on your own device, then you will have to wait some more if do not own a device that runs Android 4.4 KitKat operating system.
As we have mentioned earlier, Google has made the launcher available for download on its applications store, but it can only be installed on Nexus (other than Nexus 5) and Google Play edition devices powered by KitKat.
The folks over at AndroidPolice report that the application may be compatible with devices that run custom ROMs based on KitKat (CyanogenMod 11), but this has yet to be confirmed.
Given the fact that this is the first official release of Google Now Launcher, it makes sense to make it available only for a handful of devices, but we expect Google to expand availability in future versions.
Now for those Android users unable to install the application and who want to know what they are missing, here are some of the Google Now Launcher’s features.
First of all, the launcher provides home screen functionality in the Google search application. You can access the “OK Google” function directly from the home screen by triggering the voice input. This feature is only available in the US, Canada and the UK for the moment.
You also get faster access to search, as you will now be able to tap the search box on the home screen and enter your query quicker.
Assuming you own a Nexus or a Google Play edition device running Android 4.4 KitKat operating system, you can now download Google Now Launcher via Softpedia for free. The APK file is included as well if you wish to sideload it.