Google Now Launcher Lacking

[NickDomi]

I was excited when I saw GNL available for my phone, but honestly, I feel let down. Does anyone feel the same, like maybe there should be a lot more options and capabilities.

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[zorak950]

Such as?

 

[NickDomi]

Setting home screen, hiding the status bar, little things.

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[zorak950]

I wouldn't mind being able to move the home screen, but it is where it is for easy access to Google Now. I've never wanted to hide the status bar. If anything, I've wanted to turn it back on in apps that hide it.

Honestly, the Google Now launcher should be simple. I don't want it to have a bunch of options, because that's confusing for some people and it's the default. There are tons of launchers in the Play Store that let you change everything if you really want to.

 

[Katipo]

I just use Apex with the GN Widget and voice controls turned on.

Nova would also work just as well.

 

[oldsoldier]

I actually like the nice, clean feeling of the launcher. For the first time, I've used folders to keep like apps together. makes for a simpler, cleaner overall look.

 

[LeoRex]

I value GNL for its simplicity. But tweak it a bit using the GEL Xposed module.. Gives me everything I need out of a launcher.

I'll admit that it it's pretty sparse, but I grew tired of fiddling with launchers with an options list a mile long.

 

[flotto]

Anyone know if there is a way to add the Google Now page to the Nova Launcher?

 

[LeoRex]

Anyone know if there is a way to add the Google Now page to the Nova Launcher?

Not as seamless as the Google launcher, but you can add a Google now widget to a page and resize it to fill more of the screen

 

[srkmagnus]

I think there is a difference between Google Launcher and the other third party ones in the Play Store. In my opinion, GL isn't meant to compete with the others and won't have the wide customizations that others have. This doesn't mean it's a bad launcher. It has its pros and cons, just like most everything else, so you'll need to decide on what works/fits your needs best.

 

[LeoRex]

I think there is a difference between Google Launcher and the other third party ones in the Play Store. In my opinion, GL isn't meant to compete with the others and won't have the wide customizations that others have. This doesn't mean it's a bad launcher. It has its pros and cons, just like most everything else, so you'll need to decide on what works/fits your needs best.

The Google launcher is basically a showcase for Google Now and it's the default launcher on nexus devices. They weren't looking to put it this feature rich launcher... Just one that was simple and efficient.

 

[A895]

I am the opposite I love Google Now launcher:





(And look an AC article was one of suggested stories I read!)

 

[LeoRex]

Yeah.. The key with the Google launcher is using it. It's been customizing itself to my interests since I got it way back when... Buy now, its like I have a minion: Here's you traffic this morning sir... Don't forget that Hell on Wheels is on tonight... Get your *** on the road because an accident jacked up the highway... I found a bunch of articles about the upcoming Nexus phone you've been searching about.

Once you get it rolling, it's awesome.

Yes, you can approximate it on other launchers, but it's just so well integrated and slick on the Google launcher.

 

[anon(50597)]

So you have to be using the Google launcher for it to fully customize itself to your needs? More so than using other launchers?

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[A895]

So you have to be using the Google launcher for it to fully customize itself to your needs? More so than using other launchers?

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Really you just need to be using Google Now note often is all. And you go twiddle with Google Services settings to toggle what you want Google to use. Let theme have your locations and where you love and work, then Google Now gives you traffic info.

Messing with Google Now settings I'd advised to. They'll give you game scores as they update, what's on TV, what's at the movies, what to do around your area etc.

 

[LeoRex]

So you have to be using the Google launcher for it to fully customize itself to your needs? More so than using other launchers?

Posted via Android Central App

Just use Google stuff.. I'm logged into my Google account on my chrome browser in my desktop... So if I search for a business, it'll automatically load directions and travel times, augmented with real-time traffic from Waze. But that's not news...

Yes, you can get to Now a million ways without the Google launcher... But it's just the speed and ease that I like. Remember that the Google Now launcher IS Google Now... It's hard to explain.

I used to use Nova Prime, and I liked it. But I found myself caught up in messing with its settings all the time, even when I had it configured the way I wanted it... Really for no other rain other than the fact that if it had a button to press, I'd press it. Now I just let it do it's thing and I use my phone. Liberating is the term I'd use.

 

[SASavva86]

Hey guys. Just installed the Google now Launcher from the Play Store, however I noticed that the Phone icon is still the same.

I've attached an image of my home screen. You will see the phone icon is the old style instead of the new version (darker blue). Anyone know the reason for this? Can it be changed? Is it a bug? Thanks.

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[zorak950]

I don't think the launcher you use typically changes your app icons.

 

[steelrain82]

I always use the stock browser. But I tried using the GNL and I liked it. However, I switched back to stock because I was too lazy to reset all my apps. I had finally got everything the way I liked and didn't want to have to redo everything.

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[SASavva86]

What do you mean by reset apps? All I want to know is why the phone dialler icon in the Google Now Launcher is the old one lol!