14 DAY TRIAL // Google introduced the new Pixel Launcher together with the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, launched last year in October. The launcher brought exciting features that would allow users to customize their home screens and search for online content in a faster way.
Later on, Google made the Pixel Launcher available in the Play store, compatible with smartphones running Android 5.0 and up. The design of the Pixel Launcher was quite different to Google’s Now Launcher, as the latter has a full-length search bar with the G logo.
It seems that Google might be bringing this design over to the Pixel Launcher, as a new look for the launcher was noticed by some users, according to Android Police.
New layout for the Pixel Launcher
Apparently, the new layout for the Pixel launcher has the same search bar as Google Now Launcher, and it removes the weather/time information, which could be brought back at some point. Previously, the Pixel Launcher had a G icon at the top, which expanded to open the search bar for typing in information and finding content online.
The new design appears to be available only to some users, and can be enabled by clearing App data for the Pixel Launcher. But keep in mind that this operation will remove any preset home screen layouts. It’s unclear at this point if Google will make this design permanent or the company is simply testing it out to see if users prefer it.
The Pixel Launcher offers quick access to Google Cards by simply swiping right from the home screen or launching Google Search without actually leaving the screen. With the launch of the first Android O Developer Preview, Google brought a new version of Pixel Launcher, which is available in our APK section and can be installed on smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.