Will you keep it Stock or run a Launcher (Nova, etc.)?

[Zod1010]

Isn't Android supposed to force third party apps to be circle icons like the rest of the OS? There's still inconsistencies with the icon shapes. Third party apps are squared.

Unfortunately, the Icon Shape changer doesn't change third party apps.

You can just use an icon pack if you opt for a 3rd party launcher.

 

[dov1978]

The horrible stock launcher will be the first thing to be replaced on my Pixel 2 XL with the Microsoft Launcher in its place

 

[assertive-man]

Stock but Nova is already whispering in my ear...

 

[hal1]

I maybe missing something but what does Nova actually offer that makes it an upgrade?

For me it's two things. Swipe gestures to quick open chosen apps, and the ability to remove the Google search bar from the home screen

 

[hal1]

Just look at all the positive reviews for Nova Launcher.

Tell me, Michael, how can a billion Chinese people be wrong?

 

[dov1978]

Just look at all the positive reviews for Nova Launcher.

Tell me, Michael, how can a billion Chinese people be wrong?

I just read that in Kiefer Sutherland's voice in my head

 

[openwheelracing]

Why bother buying a Pixel just to use another launcher? Makes no sense. You already have the best launcher everyone else can't get, everyone else try to emulate, including Nova.

It is like buying a brand new BMW only to yank the engine out and put a Hyundai engine in. Sure you can modify it more, but why?????

 

[klau25]

Double post

 

[klau25]

Why bother buying a Pixel just to use another launcher? Makes no sense. You already have the best launcher everyone else can't get, everyone else try to emulate, including Nova.

It is like buying a brand new BMW only to yank the engine out and put a Hyundai engine in. Sure you can modify it more, but why?????

Well. Actually I wouldn't call pixel launcher the best. It's actually not very customizable. Even if you don't like to customize your launcher, the fact the all your icons are all different shapes is bad design in my opinion. With Nova launcher, all of my icons are the same shape. To me that's much better. Nova launcher gives you the ability to do that if you choose to. To me that's a better launcher.
I included some examples here.

 

[sixty_four]

I've used Nova for years as a solid base for Zooper on past phones and KLWP on my 6P. However, I'm going with the default launcher this time. A big part of the Pixel sell for me was all the talk about a buttery-smooth user experience and I'm guessing the launcher is going to be a big contributor to that experience. If I want more customization, I may start tinkering with Nova and KLWP again.

That all said, I can see the car analogy. Custom "themes" are like modded cars. For every well-done, tastefully modded car you see, you'll have seen a dozen riced-out Civics that make a bunch of noise and have a bunch of cheesy aftermarket parts slapped on them. I can verify - my phone is like one of those Civics

 

[klau25]

I've used Nova for years as a solid base for Zooper on past phones and KLWP on my 6P. However, I'm going with the default launcher this time. A big part of the Pixel sell for me was all the talk about a buttery-smooth user experience and I'm guessing the launcher is going to be a big contributor to that experience. If I want more customization, I may start tinkering with Nova and KLWP again.

That all said, I can see the car analogy. Custom "themes" are like modded cars. For every well-done, tastefully modded car you see, you'll have seen a dozen riced-out Civics that make a bunch of noise and have a bunch of cheesy aftermarket parts slapped on them. I can verify - my phone is like one of those Civics

Haha. I like your analogy, but I can say that Nova is not rice out civic. Maybe more like Honda Mugen. Haha. It doesn't make your launcher feels cheap, but instead buttery smooth. Hahaha.

 

[thunderup]

Currently using the stock launcher. I would move back over to Nova in a heartbeat if I could use the at a glance widget with it. I know it seems silly to stick with stock just for that one thing, but I really like it. It's simple, clean, and gives me exactly the info I want. Yes, I would prefer Nova for swipe down for notifications, dark app drawer, hiding apps, getting rid of the search bar, etc. But man, I really like that widget for some reason. Hopefully there will be some 3rd-party solutions that give the same functionality.

 

[klau25]

Currently using the stock launcher. I would move back over to Nova in a heartbeat if I could use the at a glance widget with it. I know it seems silly to stick with stock just for that one thing, but I really like it. It's simple, clean, and gives me exactly the info I want. Yes, I would prefer Nova for swipe down for notifications, dark app drawer, hiding apps, getting rid of the search bar, etc. But man, I really like that widget for some reason. Hopefully there will be some 3rd-party solutions that give the same functionality.

Haha. Fair enough. I do like the at a glance feature, but don't like the fact that appointment only shows up when the reminder time you set. So if your remainder time is 30 minutes before the appointment, it only shows up then. I wish it will always show your next appointment. Is that the same for you or did I do something wrong?

 

[thunderup]

Haha. Fair enough. I do like the at a glance feature, but don't like the fact that appointment only shows up when the reminder time you set. So if your remainder time is 30 minutes before the appointment, it only shows up then. I wish it will always show your next appointment. Is that the same for you or did I do something wrong?

Yep, seems to be the same for me. I did just find and install an app from the Play Store called "Just Another Widget" that seems to mimic the features of at a glance. I'm going to give it a try with Nova and see how it works, impact on battery life, etc.

 

[klau25]

Yep, seems to be the same for me. I did just find and install an app from the Play Store called "Just Another Widget" that seems to mimic the features of at a glance. I'm going to give it a try with Nova and see how it works, impact on battery life, etc.

I see, well I'm pretty sure Nova will eventually update their app to mimic the feature. They already give you the ability to move the search bar to the bottom and that's how I use mine. In fact it gives you the option to move it below the the dock which makes accessing search even easier.

 

[Mrdouglas]

Currently using the stock launcher. I would move back over to Nova in a heartbeat if I could use the at a glance widget with it. I know it seems silly to stick with stock just for that one thing, but I really like it. It's simple, clean, and gives me exactly the info I want. Yes, I would prefer Nova for swipe down for notifications, dark app drawer, hiding apps, getting rid of the search bar, etc. But man, I really like that widget for some reason. Hopefully there will be some 3rd-party solutions that give the same functionality.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tommasoberlose.anotherwidget

 

[thunderup]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tommasoberlose.anotherwidget

Thanks. Currently trying this out with Nova.

 

[bhatech]

Few launchers which are best in my opinion in no order. Pixel launcher is great but some like to customize with gestures, lock desktop, and million other options.

1. Nova everyone knows

2. Action launcher, this also pretty famous.

3. Lawnchair - now in play store, but I like to sideload the APK from the developer GitHub since that version has Google now built in. This launcher is basically a pixel launcher with customization. If you love Pixel launcher try this.

4. For the Microsoft folks, Microsoft launcher is great. Personally, I do like this but no Google now integration (duh) is a deal breaker for me. Though I switch to this once in a while since it's a great launcher and for people with Microsoft services this is a great option and probably the one they prefer and use.