Pixel Google Widget Question

[mhinc]

For a short stint, I had a Nexus 6. Which had a Google Search Bar on the home screen.
Based on research this was removable in an earlier version, but whatever the phone had when upgraded ( Can't Recall )
It was no longer able to be removed. Unless I rooted of course. Which I don't plan to do or want to do.
So question is, I notice the pictures of the Pixel have a Google Icon type thing at the top left.
Does anyone know if this will be able to be removed without being rooted?
I find it to be an annoyance, as I don't want it there, to me it's bloatware. I get that many don't feel this way, but I do.
Any answers would be great!

Attached a screen shot so you know what I mean.

Thanks!

 

[arthurhkt]

I don't think you can removed Google Search widget on the stock/pure Android, especially on the Pixel Phone, where Google heavily promote it's services and Google Assistant. The only way to removed it is either install custom launcher or by rooting, otherwise NO.

 

[Chandru_B]

I am afraid it cant be removed. That icon will extend into a search bar once a tap is made on it !!!

 

[mhinc]

I am afraid it cant be removed. That icon will extend into a search bar once a tap is made on it !!!

I don't think you can removed Google Search widget on the stock/pure Android, especially on the Pixel Phone, where Google heavily promote it's services and Google Assistant. The only way to removed it is either install custom launcher or by rooting, otherwise NO.

**** That's what I was afraid of ;( Thank you both for the replies! Appreciate it!

Edit - I didn't realize "p o o p" was a curse word ha ha ha

 

[Rocketsaucev2]

It's part of the launcher. One would simply need to install nova or any other launcher to change it, afaik

 

[dsignori]

I am afraid it cant be removed. That icon will extend into a search bar once a tap is made on it !!!

Oh man. I didn't realize. So I lose a whole row of apps I can put there. Oh well... :-/

 

[Rocky5000100]

I've installed the Pixel launcher on my Note 4, and I like the icon now after I've used it awhile. Unfortunately it doesn't allow you to put shortcuts in the space to the right of it.

 

[Richard Servello]

Just install a different launcher

 

[mhinc]

Just install a different launcher

To me that's a band aid, not a solution. I consider it bloatware. And don't feel It should be forced on you. But again, just one persons opinion

 

[Richard Servello]

To me that's a band aid, not a solution. I consider it bloatware. And don't feel It should be forced on you. But again, just one persons opinion

It's the operating system. If you don't like it, maybe don't use Android. Or install a different launcher.

 

[gendo667]

I hesitated to set up Action Launcher with the Pixel configuration. After making myself do it and living with it for a couple of days, I haven't gone back. I was on a Google Now Launcher/Action Launcher 3 rotation. Now, I can't tare myself away from AC3's Pixel setup. It's fantastic. Especially if you like a minimal setup. Your wallpaper really takes center stage.

 

[mhinc]

It's the operating system. If you don't like it, maybe don't use Android. Or install a different launcher.

Ha ha ha that's not accurate, it's not ANDROID that's the issue, it's the version on the Pixel from google specifically that's the issue. I have the ability to remove this on my current device, because it's not a nexus or pixel.
And again, installing a launcher is a band aid, not a solution. for something I should be able to remove.
Just because it's GOOGLE doesn't mean it's not bloatware.

 

[mhinc]

I hesitated to set up Action Launcher with the Pixel configuration. After making myself do it and living with it for a couple of days, I haven't gone back. I was on a Google Now Launcher/Action Launcher 3 rotation. Now, I can't tare myself away from AC3's Pixel setup. It's fantastic. Especially if you like a minimal setup. Your wallpaper really takes center stage.

Hmm if it's that minimal intrusive I may look into it. I want to get away from samsung, not even because of the note 7 issues. More less the fact they think that everyone wants an EDGE device and won't be making anything but going forward. I hate EDGE devices. And won't be forced into one.
Thanks for the info

 

[SteelGator]

Ha ha ha that's not accurate, it's not ANDROID that's the issue, it's the version on the Pixel from google specifically that's the issue. I have the ability to remove this on my current device, because it's not a nexus or pixel.
And again, installing a launcher is a band aid, not a solution. for something I should be able to remove.
Just because it's GOOGLE doesn't mean it's not bloatware.

I get your point, but I don't see it as bloatware. It is a part of the launcher that Google has built. What I hear you saying is that you don't care for the design of the Pixel launcher. The beauty of Android is that you are free to use any number of launchers. Those launchers will give you greater control over the UI. With that view, installing a 3rd party launcher is much more than a band-aid, it is a fix that does not require root. The big launchers will allow you to fully recreate the Pixel launcher, and give you the control you want, so you lose nothing. Compare that to the iOS approach, where you cannot replace the launcher, and it is clear that Google is still allowing more freedom to customize.

That said, we are seeing is Google take more control over the design philosophy of the phone. There is still great freedom in what they provide, but a little less than what we are accustomed to, perhaps. Another example is the app drawer -- you won't have a button unless you get an alt launcher.

Remember, this is now a Phone by Google, not an Android phone.

 

[SteelGator]

Hmm if it's that minimal intrusive I may look into it. I want to get away from samsung, not even because of the note 7 issues. More less the fact they think that everyone wants an EDGE device and won't be making anything but going forward. I hate EDGE devices. And won't be forced into one.
Thanks for the info

I'd do a few searches on Android Launchers prior to spending any money. Action Launcher, Nova, and Go all have ardent followers, fanatics really, Action and Nova in particular. They all have a free period to try, so you can see which works best for you. I don't use one regularly, but I have tried Action and Nova. They both work well, don't create any slowdown (may fix it some, actually on Samsung devices).

Good luck.

 

[Richard Servello]

Ha ha ha that's not accurate, it's not ANDROID that's the issue, it's the version on the Pixel from google specifically that's the issue. I have the ability to remove this on my current device, because it's not a nexus or pixel.
And again, installing a launcher is a band aid, not a solution. for something I should be able to remove.
Just because it's GOOGLE doesn't mean it's not bloatware.

The bootloader is unlocked. Nothing is stopping you from flashing a fully vanilla build from AOSP. But why?