I know that Essential launcher doesn't look too different form Pixel launcher, but I like the operation of Pixel 2 launcher. I do believe either the launcher on Pixel phones have smoother transition/animation effect or Google optimized the phone's OS differently. On Essential all this transition animation is too jumpy, windows open fast and as if all the effects are turned off in the Dev options. I have Pixel 2 in my hands and although the UI is similar to the Essential phone, still Pixel's UI feels much nicer, better and smoother - premium feel.
I sent my Essential back(QA issues), will soon re-buy it again, but in the meantime wanted to find out if anyone has tried installing Pixel 2 Launcher on Essential.
Using the actual Pixel launcher requires root. However, one of the people on xda has written a version based on AOSP that doesn't require root. I used it on a Nexus 6 for about a year and have been using the latest version on Essential with 7.1.1 for the past two months with no issues. It's bit nicer than the AOSP that comes on the Essential.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/launcher3-pixel-launcher-features-t3620972
I am using the Pixel 2 launcher. It requires no root: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...auncher-mod-8-1-0-4348501-modded-3-1-release/
Also would recommend the Pixel 2 wallpaper: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/prana...port-8-1-0-pp-6-0-arm64-android-apk-download/
Just try them out and see yourself
trantium said:
I am using the Pixel 2 launcher. It requires no root: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...auncher-mod-8-1-0-4348501-modded-3-1-release/
Also would recommend the Pixel 2 wallpaper: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/prana...port-8-1-0-pp-6-0-arm64-android-apk-download/
Just try them out and see yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad! I think the integration with the weather on the Google “pill” is what requires root. Does it display the weather for you?
trantium said:
I am using the Pixel 2 launcher. It requires no root: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...auncher-mod-8-1-0-4348501-modded-3-1-release/
Also would recommend the Pixel 2 wallpaper: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/prana...port-8-1-0-pp-6-0-arm64-android-apk-download/
Just try them out and see yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing thanks for the info
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
I definitely recommend that you try Lawnchair Launcher
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
vincentallen2 said:
I definitely recommend that you try Lawnchair Launcher
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have added it to wishlist, so that I can try it when I get Essential phone back.
TimboC2000 said:
My bad! I think the integration with the weather on the Google “pill” is what requires root. Does it display the weather for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does! Make sure to give it permission to your location and all should work fine
Grab the pixel 2 launcher from the same dev that did the custom navbar...
I don't wanna butcher his name... But he did the launcher with an inverted background for the now pane... And it works without root...
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
rignfool said:
Grab the pixel 2 launcher from the same dev that did the custom navbar...
I don't wanna butcher his name... But he did the launcher with an inverted background for the now pane... And it works without root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the custom nav bar please
combat goofwing said:
What is the custom nav bar please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Play store
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
rignfool said:
Play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To do the adb command does bootloader need unlocked ,don't really want to root or unlock bootloader
Yeah, running the Pixel launcher with no root and with no problems at all..
combat goofwing said:
To do the adb command does bootloader need unlocked ,don't really want to root or unlock bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... Just need ADB
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
trantium said:
I am using the Pixel 2 launcher. It requires no root: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...auncher-mod-8-1-0-4348501-modded-3-1-release/
Also would recommend the Pixel 2 wallpaper: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/prana...port-8-1-0-pp-6-0-arm64-android-apk-download/
Just try them out and see yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded those 2 files and when I try to change the wallpaper, I get "app isn't installed".
Anybody else has this issue?
warpjavier said:
I downloaded those 2 files and when I try to change the wallpaper, I get "app isn't installed".
Anybody else has this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the "wallpaper" app from the play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wallpaper
Some say the wallpaper app needs to be installed before the launcher in order for the link to work but I did it after and it worked fine for me after a reboot.
trantium said:
Download the "wallpaper" app from the play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wallpaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That worked!
Thanks
For weather and events like in pixel try this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tommasoberlose.anotherwidget
trantium said:
I am using the Pixel 2 launcher. It requires no root: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/papho...auncher-mod-8-1-0-4348501-modded-3-1-release/
Also would recommend the Pixel 2 wallpaper: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/prana...port-8-1-0-pp-6-0-arm64-android-apk-download/
Just try them out and see yourself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thanks so much. Quite an upgrade. loving my PH-1 even more now.
Related
how can i remove this awful thing from my home screen?
Use nova launcher or some alternative
You can also use Xposed GEL Settings if you have Xposed installed. That's what I used to remove the search bar.
Didn't wana root but xposed is nice....I'll try Nova for now
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
Nova goes on each phone I switch to.
Usually u can disable it wonder why not on the pure
Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk
tlbland0426 said:
You can also use Xposed GEL Settings if you have Xposed installed. That's what I used to remove the search bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What am I missing? I hid it in Xposed Gel but the damn thing is still there.
dinkey33bw said:
What am I missing? I hid it in Xposed Gel but the damn thing is still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you reboot?
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app
I'm a huge Nova user for years now... having never had a Moto X phone, does using Nova as your default launcher impact Moto Voice and active listening features in any way?
(edit: still waiting on my "should have been delivered by now, but delayed by Moto" Moto X Pure form Motomaker.
Dan76 said:
I'm a huge Nova user for years now... having never had a Moto X phone, does using Nova as your default launcher impact Moto Voice and active listening features in any way?
(edit: still waiting on my "should have been delivered by now, but delayed by Moto" Moto X Pure form Motomaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Launchers have no affect on Moto features.
I like both Nova and Action Launcher.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
PiousInquisitor said:
Launchers have no affect on Moto features.
I like both Nova and Action Launcher.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, good to know! I was worried about those huge icons only four across... worry no more!
So I have the new phone and it's nice and fast but what I'd like is to have 5x5 icon size as opposed to 4x5. Other than using a launcher is there any other ways to do this?
I think you'll have to use another launcher to do that.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app
you can unlock the bootloader and root the phone. Install xposed and use gravity box. that will change the icon to 4x5 without changing the launcher.
True, but for some reason I thought if you didn't want to change the launcher someone wouldn't be likely to root but if you like the Google launcher that makes sense.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app
I want 5x6.
Samsung.Galaxy.S3 said:
I want 5x6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravity Box has the option, I'm not sure that it's currently working right now though.
Use nova or action launcher 3
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
OP said "other than using another launcher".
Does changing the DPI change the Icon size?
jonathanbailie said:
OP said "other than using another launcher".
Does changing the DPI change the Icon size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then OP needs to realize google now launcher is crap
patt2k said:
then OP needs to realize google now launcher is crap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen to that.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
I am using Nova since I paid for that in the past. So far so good. I didn't want to use another launcher but I'm actually liking it
In your opinion Popular/Best launcher to use with this phone ?
I like Apex or Nova Launcher. Super customizable and stable. They have gestures which let you put all that screen real estate to good use.
The best for me!
The best for me is BuzzLauncher. I have been using it for 2 years already
i use Nova Launcher Prime...well worth it.
Pixel launcher
Action launcher 3. Looks and works great and has all kinds of shortcuts.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
probably going use nova for app launcher and hi locker for lock screen...
volfan22 said:
Action launcher 3. Looks and works great and has all kinds of shortcuts.
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the look of that icon pack, what's the name of it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
Nick281051 said:
I like the look of that icon pack, what's the name of it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alos
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Action Launcher 3 skinned to work mostly like the pixel launcher... But with swipe from the left edge to open Google now in absence of assistant, and with double tap of the home screen to open the camera.
Nova Prime is my dd!
+1 Nova Prime. I'm going to experience the V20 as it is when I get it, perhaps for a few days. Then, time to customize!
Smart launcher Pro
Nova Prime FTW
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Do any of these launchers allow you to keep the double tap screen on/off?
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
jrwingate6 said:
Do any of these launchers allow you to keep the double tap screen on/off?
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know the others but Buzz Launcher does. Also Next launcher, TSF Launcher, and Go launcher do too. (TSF is not being updated anymore, so you will probably discard it, although it is REALLY GOOD TOO)
jrwingate6 said:
Do any of these launchers allow you to keep the double tap screen on/off?
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nova Prime does.
Google Pixel Launcher
JayDean03 said:
Pixel launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask where you downloaded the Apk? Many thanks and does the google slide out work?
theroncr said:
Can I ask where you downloaded the Apk? Many thanks and does the google slide out work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Google slideout doesn't work
Here's the link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5JFA8qACRT2Wm9QODgyc1ZrYUk/view?usp=drivesdk
The stock one is pretty cool, like an iPhone basically. I will probably use Nova Prime though.
Has anyone tried using custom launchers like Nova on the Essential? Do they use the full screen or do they letterbox around the camera like apps that haven't been updated tend to?
bump.....this is an excellent question I didnt think of. If someone could try action launcher it would be appreciated!!!
Nova and Action Launcher both are not full screen.
bretrick30 said:
Nova and Action Launcher both are not full screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither is the pixel launcher port
graffixnyc said:
Neither is the pixel launcher port
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just killed any excitement I had for this phone. Nova is an automatic install for me. It may take them several months to update
Yup, nothing is full screen right now. Just the stock Essential launcher which is pretty terrible and has virtually no settings.
Isn't the stock launcher literally Essentials own port of the Pixel launcher?
IM0001 said:
Isn't the stock launcher literally Essentials own port of the Pixel launcher?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably fork of launcher3 from aosp
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
slothdabski said:
Probably fork of launcher3 from aosp
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is the same launcher I am using on my U11 right now instead of Sense.
Love it. Simple, fast, smooth.
worldsoutro said:
You just killed any excitement I had for this phone. Nova is an automatic install for me. It may take them several months to update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will fix it in no time..
I'm not too sure it's something that Nova can fix. I just received this email response from them when I inquired about it.
Hello,
This is a bug on their end that we are hoping to have a work around for at some point in the future.
Please contact us using Nova Settings -> Contact Support. This helps us help you better!
Answers to your questions are often found in the FAQ's: https://help.teslacoilapps.com/faq
I have an HTC U11 and own the paid version of the Shortcutter app by LeeDrOiD. I've installed it on my PH1 and it's giving me a few more features such as custom quicksettings tiles and a sidebar. I have enabled his version of night mode which adds some red to the screen. It's gonna have to tide me over until we get root and custom launchers etc. rolling.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Arrow launcher is not full screen either.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
what about lawnchair? anyone tried?
I want to increase my grid size to 7 by 5 and stock launcher just has 0 customization!
Did anyone who installed a different launcher have any issues switching back to the stock Essential launcher (Launcher3)? I tried Action Launcher and after seeing that it was not full screen I switched back to Launcher3. However, Launcher3 won't run now - it keeps crashing. I tried uninstalling Action Launcher and rebooting but neither helped. I'm stuck on Action Launcher now because the stock launcher crashes before loading the home screen. Any advice? Anyone have the stock launcher apk?
UPDATE - I got it working again by clearing the cache and data for the app. I just have to set it back up with my preferred apps & widgets again.
What sucks is that the the status bar size is HUGE!! I tried many apps for status bar overlay but doesn't work with custom launcher. Pretty stupid of Essential!
varun.gid said:
What sucks is that the the status bar size is HUGE!! I tried many apps for status bar overlay but doesn't work with custom launcher. Pretty stupid of Essential!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't have anything to do with essential, the custom launcher developers have to update their launchers to work with essential phone.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I sent an enhancement request to Nova and they responded with the following:
"Essential has made it that only apps that are whitelisted will use the full screen. You would need to contact them directly."
Looks like we all need to be submitting requests to Essential. Seems to be a stupid decision on their part.
tigercranestyle said:
folks of you want to use custom launchers, it takes about 60 seconds to submit a request here:
https://support.essential.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
one thing android has always been better than ios at is customization. with this phone we can't say that. fill out the request, please. include the name of the apps... nova launcher, action, lawnchair, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Just submitted asking to whitelist Arrow Launcher.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Ahh the joys of beta testing
In terms of battery saving & performance, which is better?
S8 theme installed or Nova launcher?
Thoughts?
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Performance of course nova launcher
I was always using Nova prime. On every phone. However on S8 I have tried Pixel Launcher (modded version) and... I'm still using it. There's no icon pack support, but hey.... It's fast as hell!
jonny908 said:
I was always using Nova prime. On every phone. However on S8 I have tried Pixel Launcher (modded version) and... I'm still using it. There's no icon pack support, but hey.... It's fast as hell!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
link my dude? please
Sent from my SM-J510FN using XDA Labs
Yeah what kind of modded version?
Sh0rty007 said:
Yeah what kind of modded version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi can you upload all of the modded versions? I mean, the link only hehe.
Thank youuu.
pauramos said:
Hi can you upload all of the modded versions? I mean, the link only hehe.
Thank youuu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-rootless-pixel-2-launcher-google-t3688393
Thanks
beelzebu said:
here you go https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-rootless-pixel-2-launcher-google-t3688393
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the link!
Does it work in beta version
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Thanks for the input. I am now using nova prime. Best thing bout this is the ability to double tap to lock screen.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
jonny908 said:
I was always using Nova prime. On every phone. However on S8 I have tried Pixel Launcher (modded version) and... I'm still using it. There's no icon pack support, but hey.... It's fast as hell!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today the developers uploaded a modded support for the pixel launcher which requires root ofcourse, there is icon pack support!