The best Android smartphone is the Google Pixel 2 (see our review). It is Google's vision for Android in terms of both hardware and software, free from many of the problems affecting other Android devices.
However, many customers won't ever get to experience some of the Pixel 2's best features because of Android's fragmented update schedule. Thankfully, a resourceful developer has intervened to create an app called Rootless Pixel Launcher that allows other Android phones to use many of its features. See how to check it out below.
How to Use Features from the Pixel 2 on Any Android Phone
Before beginning, make sure you have the following things in order:
a phone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or above.
You must make sure that your phone enables apps from unknown sources since you must sideload the app.
Open Settings and select the Security tab to verify this. Select Lock screen and security from there, then turn on Unknown sources. You only need to accept the warning to proceed. The procedures for sideloading are slightly different if you are using Android Oreo.
Now, download Rootless Pixel Launcher's most recent version as a ZIP file. To access the APK inside and install it on your phone, unzip the file. After installation, simply hit the Home button on your phone, and Android will prompt you to select the app for your home screen. To make it your default launcher, select the Pixel Launcher option and then click Always.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
The features of this modified Pixel Launcher are then all yours to enjoy. For a detailed list of features, see the developer's Reddit announcement. Depending on your Android version, you can use different things.
You'll notice dots in apps with active alerts on Marshmallow or later. Users of Nougat can long-press on applications to open shortcuts. Additionally, Lollipop and newer users can access the Google feed by swiping left from the home screen. You may create custom icon packs and use the Pixel Launcher's aesthetic to create a strong launcher.
Your thoughts on the Pixel Launcher? Which launcher is your favorite—the stock one or another one? Let us know in the comments!
