However, the launcher also plays a significant role when using a smartphone. Nexus's use the Google Start launcher as standard, which you can install on your device right now. Will the company change its launcher? If so, will the update be welcome for Android owners? We have answers to these questions.
Let's answer the first question right away. Will the company change its launcher? Yes, it will. Information about the updated launcher was provided to us by colleagues from androidcentral who are 90% sure of its veracity. So let's take a closer look at it:
Above, you can view gif-images that perfectly convey the essence of the update. However, it should be noted that this is not the final version. Knowing Google, one cannot be sure that the final version of the launcher will be exactly like this. As for the changes themselves, they are really significant here. In the past, the company only changed the color of the icon for going to the list of all applications, and also made the scrolling of this list vertical.
In a future update, Google employees decided to completely abandon the transition icon to the list of all applications. However, this does not mean that users will receive another copy of iOS, no. The list of all applications will not go anywhere, and to call it you will only need to pull the translucent card from the dock bar up. At the top of the card is the dock itself with application icons, as the card with a list of all applications is raised, the transparency is reduced to zero, and the applications of the dock bar disappear, giving way to the search.
You can also raise the curtain with a list of all applications by clicking on a small arrow or swiping up from it. The list of all applications itself has not received any significant changes, however, we repeat, the release may still change.
On the main screen, there is a calendar widget that cannot be moved or deleted. To the left of the widget is a kind of bookmark with the letter "G", by clicking on which Google search is activated. So far, the swipe from the bookmark does not lead to anything, which is due to the dampness of the update. In addition, in the future, Google should introduce Assistant and updated Google Search.
And she will present all the "stuffing" of the updated software along with the new Nexus-smartphones Sailfish and Marlin. In addition, we note that, most likely, the updated launcher will be available at the initial stage only to those who have purchased new Nexus's. Everyone else will have to wait, as was the case with the Nexus 5, the updated launcher of which the rest of the Android owners received only a few months later, this included the owners of the Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 4.
The site laboratory continues to study the most relevant applications for mobile solutions based on the Android OS. Last month we finished reviewing the segment and summed up the corresponding results.
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Now we will return to a series of articles on the choice (graphical shell and not only) for smartphones and tablets based on the Android OC.In this article, we will compare the shells of the leading (and, of course, competing) players in the mobile software market - Google and Yandex. The first participant - Google Start - offers an advanced design, a minimum of functions and excellent performance. But the second, Yandex Launcher, is positioned as a simple solution that will be clear to all users and contains many goodies.
Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphone (Miui V7 on Android 4.4.2 OC, Dalvik runtime, MediaTek MT6592 processor, 8 x 1700 MHz, Mali-450 MP4 video co-processor, 700 MHz, 2 GB RAM) and Jinga Basco M500 smartphone were used as test equipment 3G (OC Android 5.1, ART runtime, MediaTek MT6580 processor, 4 x 1300 MHz, Mali-400 MP2 video co-processor, 1 GB RAM).
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Google Start
Acquaintance
Simple, stylish and trouble-free - this is how you can characterize the free "launcher" Google Start. But this is in general, and to be more precise, what is this program? Let's get to know her in more detail.
The main features of the "launcher" Google Start:
- Swipe right to open Google Now tips and get the information you need at the right place at the right time;
- Look for information on any page of the main screen;
- Say "Ok Google" to start voice search, send SMS, play music and more;
- Convenient search on the device and on Google Play in an alphabetical list with the ability to quickly scroll;
- The apps you are looking for are listed above the rest.
Beginning of work
Starting with OC Android 4.0, Google is promoting a common interface for all its systems and gadgets, which is more and more stylized and improved from version to version.
But not all device manufacturers agreed with this approach, for example, Samsung both “sculpted” TouchWiz into all its devices and “sculpts”. And Google employees decided to make the very shell that was used on the models of the Nexus line publicly available.
Appearance of Google Start on a smartphone with a five-inch screen.
Google Start, which is the name of the interface, offers a completely "stock" appearance. The working screen is represented by a classic fixed label grid, the size of which depends on the diagonal of the smartphone and its DPI.
At the top there is a Google search bar. The Google Now service application is responsible for its activity. If earlier it was possible to remove it or not install it and the shell continued to function fully, with the exception of the search, now the “launcher” is completely dependent on it.
By the way, if you make a "knight's move", or rather swipe to the right on the main screen, then the aforementioned Google Now assistant will open.
In addition to shortcuts, graphic modules (widgets) can also be placed on the desktop. True, they do not scale.
It is also worth noting the presence of branded Google wallpapers. They are fully transferred from the latest actual system, now it is OC Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
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The menu with installed applications in Google Start looks interesting. If on the earliest versions of the system, starting from 1.0, the menu scrolled vertically, then by OC Android 2.2 / 2.3-4.0, the developers switched to horizontal scrolling.
Now Google is going back to its roots and making a vertically scrollable menu. In addition, it adds a search bar and brings the four most used applications to the most prominent place - at the top of the list.
And this is how Google Start looks on a tablet with a seven-inch screen.
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Settings
Google does not change itself, and there are no settings in the Google Start shell. However, the craftsmen do not sleep. They took the app apart and released the Xposed GEL Settings module app for the Xposed Framework. Thanks to this program, we will be able to customize the grid of shortcuts on the desktop, increase / decrease the size of icons, fonts and many other parameters. It all depends on the version of the application and the specific device.
Do not forget that Xposed Framework requires superuser rights to work. Additionally, we recommend that you make a general backup of the system, as the program changes important system components that affect the performance of the mobile device.
Testing
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Google Start works great on any device with OC Android 4.1 and newer. This shell does not require a modern processor from your device, hundreds of MB of RAM, and at the same time it will delight you with fast and smooth operation. That's what life-giving optimization creates!One of the shortcomings of the Google launcher, which concerns its performance, is the need for a Google Now assistant. This application is quite resource-intensive, creates an additional load on the processor and RAM and increases battery consumption.
Programmers from Google have done something with the application and to activate it, a complete rejection of the standard "launcher" is required. And on firmware MIUI 7 and newer, this is basically impossible, since the Chinese developers completely “went through” the system in their own way.
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I will clarify that the method of activating the "launcher" from the "craftsmen" did not work. It is possible that Google Start will not work on other customized firmware, this point needs to be checked.conclusions
Google Start is one of the best shells for android devices. It is simple, stylish and up-to-date, as it is developed by Google employees. The shell can be installed and forgotten about for a long time, it does not cause any problems and does not cause complaints, as if Google Start is present on all gadgets by default.
The product itself is completely free and contains no ads. The same can be said about settings and functions. Google is Google, all applications are simplified and unified as much as possible for understanding by a large number of users.
Google Start is a launcher from Google for Android, which includes all the useful features of the Google Now search service, so that all the necessary information will always be at hand, and to retrieve it with just one swipe of your finger.
Unlike a traditional search engine, Google Now is tied to the user as much as possible and the results it gives out depend on factors such as: the user's current location; visits to certain establishments and events; information from its organizer, the history of search queries, visited Internet pages, and so on. In general, in simple terms, Google Now is a user's personal search engine.
In the Google Start launcher, the Google Now information feed is located right on the main page, from where the user can get hot information about the weather, current location, various nearby establishments, exchange rates and other interesting things.
Google Start Launcher Features
- A simple notification and hint system.
- Improved work with voice commands.
- Simplified access to all other Google services: maps, mail, Youtube, etc.
- Convenient navigation.
- A large number of colorful themes.
As you can see, Google Start is a real find for those who are used to using the full potential of Android smartphones at 100%.
Google Start is a branded launcher from Google for Android, which will allow you to try a new graphical interface on Nexus devices. After installing it, the changes will affect only the design of the desktop, some additional features and a slightly redesigned look of the icons will appear. But, most importantly, you can quickly call the Google Now assistant with a simple swipe to the right from the main screen.
The design of the launcher is distinguished by the bottom and top panels, which have become translucent and visually increase the active area of the screen. Icons and folders have also changed somewhat, becoming larger and getting a different background. The main menu as a whole remains the same, it can only be noted that the Widgets tab has disappeared. In general, the interface looks more "light" and stylish.
Application Features
First of all, the launcher is designed for simplified access to Google Now, which is called by a simple swipe to the right. It also becomes possible to call the “assistant” with the voice command “OK Google”. There is basically no additional functionality.The interaction with desktops, wallpapers and widgets has been changed quite a lot. The new desktop will only appear when the free space runs out. You cannot change the number of tables manually. Wallpapers are changed in a separate menu, which is called by a long tap on the free area of the screen. Here you can also see the menu for adding widgets.
In the settings section, you will find only a few items: device search options, voice search, personal data, notifications, and help. There is also a global "switch" responsible for the operation of Google Now. As you can see, the settings are quite limited and do not differ much from the standard ones.
Features of Google Start for Android:
- New "light" interface;
- Quick access to Google Now;
- Changed icon size;
- Voice control;
- Only available for Nexus devices.
There were quite a few cons. The launcher, by and large, does not change much the usual look of the desktop and, in fact, allows you to test the future interface. Unfortunately, only owners of devices from the Nexus line can try it out for now, and Android versions of at least 4.4 are required. Another significant drawback is poor work with widgets. In particular, most widgets are displayed in resized proportions with no option to resize.
Outcome
Google Start is a branded launcher from Google that allows you to take a look at the new interface. At the moment, only a general acquaintance is offered, since a large number of shortcomings do not allow working normally with an alternative desktop.Google Start is an application for mobile devices based on the Android system, it changes the main desktop of your mobile phone and offers quick access to the famous Google Now service. By simply swiping one finger to the side (right) on the main screen of your device, you will be in and its hints will be at your fingertips at the right time. Application Google Start available for all mobile devices running Android 4.1 and later.
Get tips just got easier, now you can launch Google Now right from the home screen. You can activate voice commands by saying "OK Google" and say the desired search query, you can also dictate SMS messages, specify the address or the right place to get a specific route, you can even name the track you want to listen to at the moment.
Thanks to an optimized search system, you can easily find the information you need and, most importantly, very quickly. You will have very simple and convenient access to the most popular services Google, such as YouTube, Gmail, and Maps. The status bar and navigation bar are transparent but visible even when you open the app drawer.
In a fairly convenient and understandable interface, as well as a huge selection of beautiful wallpapers, you can select any picture from the gallery of your device or from online storage, independently configure its location on the main screen and preview how it will look before saving the settings . The application is completely Russified, so it will not be difficult to deal with all the options, even for new inexperienced users. Before Google Start could freely work with any mobile device, but for this, the user had to download the APK file separately, now, in the updated version of the application, nothing needs to be downloaded.
Download launcher Google Start on your own, you can absolutely free on our website, which does not require registration and sending SMS messages. Already thousands of users have managed to download this application to their smartphones and actively use all its advantages. The only disadvantage of this application is that it only supports the latest versions of Android devices and does not work on earlier versions of operating systems. Now all the most popular Google services will be at your fingertips at any time.
