Google pixel 2 search bar

[Jeremy Ward]

So was thinking about getting the new pixel 2 and was wondering if you could remove the search bar from the home screen. You would think it would be possible since the assistant is always there for voice control. Tia

 

[cyndie1030]

So was thinking about getting the new pixel 2 and was wondering if you could remove the search bar from the home screen. You would think it would be possible since the assistant is always there for voice control. Tia

Only if you install a third-party launcher.

 

[N4Newbie]

This is as good a place as any to ask - what was the point of moving the search bar to the bottom of the screen? Especially since, the moment you tap on it, it jumps to the *top* of the screen?

Seriously, I just don't get it...

 

[dsignori]

This is as good a place as any to ask - what was the point of moving the search bar to the bottom of the screen? Especially since, the moment you tap on it, it jumps to the *top* of the screen?

Seriously, I just don't get it...

Edit. Good point, but see the next post ..

 

[nelamvr6]

This is as good a place as any to ask - what was the point of moving the search bar to the bottom of the screen? Especially since, the moment you tap on it, it jumps to the *top* of the screen?

Seriously, I just don't get it...

Because the screens are much bigger, so it's MUCH easier to tap it with one hand when it's at the bottom.

And the app may open with the text input shown at the top, but your keyboard is at the bottom, right?

Hadn't thought about that, had you?

 

[dsignori]

And the app may open with the text input shown at the top, but your keyboard is at the bottom, right?

Good point

 

[N4Newbie]

Because the screens are much bigger, so it's MUCH easier to tap it with one hand when it's at the bottom.

And the app may open with the text input shown at the top, but your keyboard is at the bottom, right?

Hadn't thought about that, had you?

Lol. Good point.

Nevertheless, the one UI "feature" that I hate, regardless of the system I am working with (Windows/Android/iOS/etc.) is when things jump around on my screen.

And, the Pixel 2 XL is basically a two-hand phone; it's rare that I can do anything with it (or its predecessor the Pixel XL) one-handed and I certainly can't do any meaningful typing with my thumb while holding the body of the phone with the same hand.

That being the case, I don't really see the advantage that you have outlined above.

 

[Chex313]

The voice recognition has been top notch, I talk to it as much as possible.

Go with Nova, and search bar bye bye...

 

[nelamvr6]

Lol. Good point.

Nevertheless, the one UI "feature" that I hate, regardless of the system I am working with (Windows/Android/iOS/etc.) is when things jump around on my screen.

And, the Pixel 2 XL is basically a two-hand phone; it's rare that I can do anything with it (or its predecessor the Pixel XL) one-handed and I certainly can't do any meaningful typing with my thumb while holding the body of the phone with the same hand.

That being the case, I don't really see the advantage that you have outlined above.

Be that as it may, there is a reason Google placed it there, they didn't do it capriciously. And their placement will help those who do want to use it one handed. It won't hinder those who use it two handed.

 

[X_R_A_M]

Because the screens are much bigger, so it's MUCH easier to tap it with one hand when it's at the bottom.

And the app may open with the text input shown at the top, but your keyboard is at the bottom, right?

Hadn't thought about that, had you?

Not entirely true, nobody was using the stupid search bar so Google, in their great wisdom, thought that people don't use it because it is too far away, they think if they put it closer to your thumb you will use it! Another excuse to push users away from Google launcher! My old excuse was the big *** icons!

 

[N4Newbie]

I will add that I am sure Google changed the way Do Not Disturb is accessed starting with Android 7.1 (?) to "make it better" but I don't know a single person - including myself - who doesn't wish they would put it back the way it used to work.

 

[I Can Be Your Hero]

I'm glad they moved the search bar to the bottom. Would be difficult to reach it of it still were at the top.

I really like Google's launcher. I've never moved off it or downloaded a 3rd party one while I've been on the Pixel phones.

 

[marcb11]

I like the search bar, used it all the time top and now on the bottom. So much easier than opening chrome and then searching. In fact I don't even have chrome on my home screen.

I also use the text select and web search feature a lot.

May not be for everyone but that search works for me. I like it.

 

[B2 Indy]

I agree, this isn't for everyone...so it should be something we can move/remove for those it isn't for. I personally prefer to search with the Chrome browser for all the benefits it offers over the basic Google search option (opening other tabs, jumping between tabs, etc.). And for others, they simply just don't use the search enough to need it to be in such a high priority location, ahead of many other apps they use much more (phone, email, messenger, etc.).

 

[cbreze]

I think Google feels it is kind of their trademark app so it is prominently displayed. They are the search king. I dont care for it either to be taking up screen space but I also don't like the status bar always showing either so 3rd party launcher it is.

 

[idiotekniques]

Not entirely true, nobody was using the stupid search bar so Google, in their great wisdom, thought that people don't use it because it is too far away, they think if they put it closer to your thumb you will use it! Another excuse to push users away from Google launcher! My old excuse was the big *** icons!

Use the search bar all the time, and I use Nova all the time which means I can rid it anytime.

 

[sixty_four]

Not entirely true, nobody was using the stupid search bar so Google, in their great wisdom, thought that people don't use it because it is too far away, they think if they put it closer to your thumb you will use it! Another excuse to push users away from Google launcher! My old excuse was the big *** icons!

I use the search bar all the time. With the latest Nova update, I've put the search bar in the dock on my 2 tablets and backup Moto E4+. It's much easier to hit now than when it was at the top of the screen.

"nobody", "people", "users" ... don't make the mistake that everyone shares your views and opinions.

 

[anon(10092459)]

I like the search bar at the bottom. So much easier to use.

 

[scorpiori]

I was using NOVA on any other device that I had but with the pixel 2 i dont.
The search bar opening animation (when you press) and the slide for google feed animation is so much smoother on the pixel launcher then NOVA.
I want to use NOVA but i just cant go with laggy animations :/

 

[idiotekniques]

I was using NOVA on any other device that I had but with the pixel 2 i dont.
The search bar opening animation (when you press) and the slide for google feed animation is so much smoother on the pixel launcher then NOVA.
I want to use NOVA but i just cant go with laggy animations :/

I don't have any lag with nova using the search bar or in the Google feed, let alone anywhere else. I turned off animations in developer options the other day but prior to that I noticed zero lag always