14 DAY TRIAL // Google first introduced the new Android launcher with the release of the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones last year, and the tech giant has gradually made the launcher available to more smartphones. Pixel Launcher arrived on various Android phones last year, but there are still some that can’t install it from the Play Store.
Pixel Launcher APKs are available online, but some won’t load up all the launcher’s features, unless it gets converted into a system app. Redditor AmirZ has found a way to create an APK that incorporates the entire Pixel Launcher’s feature set.
AmirZ stated that he was inspired by the team at Paranoid Android, who managed to get some of Pixel Launcher’s features to work on other devices. He actually analyzed how the features were made to work on eligible smartphones and then patched up a normal Launcher3 APK which includes new functionalities.
Pixel Launcher’s feature set was ported, including the weather widget
Every feature from the Pixel Launcher was ported, including the G pill, Google Now and even the weather/time widget. The launcher can be installed easily after downloading the APK and previously allowing the device to install applications from unknown sources. If the smartphone is rooted and has the Pixel Launcher installed as a system app, users will need to uninstall it before getting AmirZ’s version.
During this year’s edition of Google I/O, the tech giant announced a series of new updates and features that it has been working on. It was then that Google revealed its plan to bring expanded search functionality, which would support Android Instant Apps and offer even more features to users.
A new version of Pixel Launcher could arrive with Android O, which recently received its Third Developer Preview, signaling that the final version could arrive soon. Pixel Launcher will get the option to allow users to pick from multiple icon shapes, as adaptive icons will help enhance user experience. Pixel Launcher currently replaces Google’s previous Now Launcher, which was discontinued back in March.
You can download the latest version of the Rootless Pixel Launcher from Softpedia. Please keep in mind that you have to remove the official Pixel Launcher, or it won't work.