What you should know
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- Android 15 is set to bring significant improvements to the Pixel Launcher, making it more streamlined and intuitive, with changes including a faster and springier animation when swiping up to close apps.
- Google plans to revamp widget recommendations in the Pixel Launcher, categorizing them into Essentials, Social, Health & Fitness, News & Magazines, Your Chill Zone, Entertainment, Suggested for You, and Weather, alongside introducing a simpler “+ add” button for adding widgets.
- The “recents” screen in Android 15 Beta 1 is being tweaked to enhance multitasking efficiency, including a new pill-shaped icon next to the app’s name for accessing app info, split-screen mode, or the “pause app” function more easily.
- These updates to the Pixel Launcher in Android 15 focus on refining the user experience with quality-of-life improvements, indicating Google’s dedication to enhancing its core launcher without a complete overhaul.
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Full Story
Oh, the life of a Pixel owner or an Android enthusiast. It’s a bit like being in an exclusive club, isn’t it? The Pixel Launcher sits at the heart of the Google software experience, a sort of digital pulse.
Sure, there are gripes. Users, including myself, sometimes find its limitations a tad frustrating. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. The Pixel Launcher? It’s solid. Offers customizable features and those unique perks. Ever used the At a Glance widget? Game changer.
Now, Google isn’t just kicking back and relaxing. Nope. Android 15 is on the horizon, promising some juicy improvements to make the Pixel Launcher even more… what’s the word? Streamlined. Intuitive. That’s the ticket.
This scoop comes from Mishaal Rahman, an Android expert. He went code diving into Android 15 Beta 1 and guess what he found? Google’s cooking up some significant changes for its Pixel devices. One example? The animation when you swipe up on an app to close it. It’s getting “faster and springier.” Like a gymnast doing a flawless routine. Impressive, right?
Widgets. Let’s talk about them for a sec. The current Pixel Launcher widget recommendations? Could be better. But hold the phone – Android 15 is looking to up its game. Google’s plan? A revamp. Widgets will be smartly divided into categories. Essentials, Social, Health & Fitness… you get the gist. It’s like having your apps organized by a personal assistant who knows you better than you know yourself.
Adding widgets is about to get a facelift too. Drag and drop? So last version. Android 15 introduces a simple “+ add” button. Because who has the time for extra steps?
Multitaskers, lend me your ears. The “recents” screen is getting a tweak. That’s the place where you swipe to see your open apps. Currently, getting more info or using split-screen requires a bit of a tap dance on the app’s icon. But soon? A small pill-shaped icon will be your shortcut to those extra options. Efficiency is the name of the game.
These changes, on their own, might not seem earth-shattering. But together? They’re painting a picture of a smoother Pixel Launcher experience. Google’s not trying to reinvent the wheel here. Just refining it. Focusing on those quality-of-life improvements that make the everyday a bit less everyday.
Can’t wait to see how this all pans out in the final release of Android’s latest and greatest. Because, let’s face it, in the world of tech, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
