Google Pixel launcher leaked, Here is what has changed since Nexus launcher

Google Pixel smartphones are a little-known secret for people following leaks related to Google and its upcoming products. We have previously reported that the company is dropping Google Nexus brand in favour of Google Pixel.

This has been further confirmed by the move where Google changed the name of its app launcher, Nexus launcher to Google Pixel launcher. The former Nexus launcher is stated to be a part of the upcoming flagship devices from Google. There were speculations at the time that the redesigned launcher will be the part of Android Nougat 7.0. These speculations were put to rest with the launch of Nougat with newer reports emerging of the launcher being part of Android Nougat 7.1 .

The latest name change confirms the speculation that Google Pixel is the new Google Nexus. Pixel launcher will be exclusively available on Google Pixel devices providing different experience than the current Android Google Now launcher (or Nova or Action Launcher depending on the preference.) The latest update does not bring much in terms of UI changes but small questions. Minor changes like navigation bar being transparent with more apps in the app drawer and icon size, a bit smaller as reported by Android Police .

The search bar on the top of app drawer “Search Apps” is a bit smaller but erratic device to device, which will be fixed with future versions. Pixel launcher now supports landscape mode unlike the Google Now launcher, though you need to toggle the setting from the settings menu. Another thing to note is that the app has been split into two parts, first one being the main app launcher and the second one being the Wallpaper interface.

Last but not the least, Google is working on a new icon scheme for the Pixel launcher. This can be seen in the icon of the latest Google Calendar app which is not amazing but we will wait and watch about how this theme turns out.