Install Google Experience Launcher on Android - Easy Guide
The Google Experience Launcher: Expanding Beyond Nexus 5
Google is currently developing an updated launcher application for the Android operating system. This new launcher is designed to provide a fluid and integrated experience with Google Now.
Initial Availability and Wider Compatibility
Initially, the Google Experience Launcher was released exclusively for the Nexus 5 smartphone. However, it's now possible to install and utilize this launcher on a variety of other Android-powered devices, including both smartphones and tablets.
Interestingly, despite its development by Google, the launcher wasn't immediately made available for earlier Nexus models. Devices such as the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 did not initially support the new launcher.
Key Features and Benefits
The Google Experience Launcher offers a distinct user experience. It’s designed to streamline access to information and enhance overall device usability.
Below is a closer examination of the features that differentiate this launcher from standard Android interfaces.
- Seamless Google Now Integration: Direct and intuitive access to Google’s intelligent assistant.
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: Improved search functionality across the device and the web.
- Customizable Home Screens: Personalization options for arranging apps and widgets.
The launcher’s design prioritizes efficiency and a clean aesthetic, contributing to a more user-friendly Android experience.
Installing the Google Experience Launcher
Many Android smartphones and tablets already include the Google Experience Launcher, which may come as a surprise. This launcher’s code is largely integrated within the official Google Search app, similar to Google Now. The Google Search app is pre-installed on all Android devices certified by Google and is set to receive automatic updates via the Play Store.
The core code for the launcher resides within the Google Search application. As of version 3.1.8 of the Google Search app, the Google Experience Launcher is compatible with devices running Android 4.1 and later versions. Devices lacking Google Play or the Google Search app, such as inexpensive tablets sourced directly from manufacturers, will be unable to utilize this feature.
A key component is often missing from most Android devices. The Nexus 5 includes a specific application that activates the Google Experience Launcher, enabling its launch and selection as the default home screen. To replicate this functionality on other devices – including the Nexus 4, Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, or any device running Android 4.1 or newer, even tablets – you simply need to download the enabler app originating from the Nexus 5 and sideload it onto your Android device.
Related: 5+ Ways to Install Android Apps on Your Phone or Tablet
To acquire the application, navigate to Android Police’s website and download the com.google.android.launcher file from one of their provided mirrors. You can download directly to your device or to your computer for subsequent transfer.
Remember to enable the "Unknown Sources" option within your device’s Security settings before sideloading the app. For enhanced security, consider disabling this option after the installation is complete.
Following the sideloading of the APK file, pressing your device’s home button will present you with the option to select the Google Search Launcher as your preferred launcher.
It’s important to note that the launcher’s performance may vary across different devices. However, Google consistently releases updates and bug fixes to improve compatibility on "unsupported" devices, such as the Nexus 7. Continued updates to the Google Search app will refine the Google Experience Launcher over time.
The Google Experience Launcher: A Comprehensive Overview
A novel launcher has been released, extending Google’s home screen functionality to a wider range of devices. Previously, users of devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 required custom ROM installations or third-party launchers, such as Apex or Nova, to achieve a “stock Android” aesthetic.
Related: 16 Android Voice Actions to Personalize Your Device
The Google Experience Launcher features continuous voice recognition, activated by simply stating "OK Google" while on the home screen. This functionality is limited to the home screen environment, ensuring voice processing occurs locally on the device only when a search or action is initiated. No voice data is transmitted to Google during the listening phase.
Related: Configuring and Utilizing Google Now on Android
Integration with Google Now is also a key feature. Accessing Google Now no longer necessitates a swipe or long-press; instead, it’s readily available with a swift swipe from the home screen. This eliminates the loading time previously associated with the Google Search application.
The Google Search app now powers the entire home screen experience. Consequently, launching the Google Search app via the home screen search bar is noticeably faster.
A visual overhaul delivers a more streamlined user interface. The app drawer now displays installed applications overlaid on the home screen background, abandoning the traditional black backdrop. Unnecessary tabs within the app drawer have been removed, simplifying navigation.
Support for transparent status and navigation bars is included, though this feature is contingent upon running Android 4.4 KitKat or a later version.
Widgets remain accessible through a long-press on the home screen background. Performance improvements are evident, with animations appearing more responsive compared to the stock launcher found on devices running Android 4.3, such as the Nexus 4.
Google is proceeding deliberately with this rollout. The ultimate objective appears to be making the Google Experience Launcher universally available across all Android devices. Currently, manufacturers like Samsung utilize custom interfaces, such as TouchWiz, preventing access to the default Android launcher without resorting to custom ROMs.
It is anticipated that, in the near future, Android users will be able to download the launcher directly from the Google Play Store, enabling a straightforward path to experiencing a Google-designed Android home screen.