3D Touch-Like Shortcuts Expected with Android 7.1 Pixel Launcher

Google has previously always released its newest version of Android when launching new hardware. This twelvemonth, however, Android 7.0 Nougat was released ahead of fourth dimension. But, that is not the only change that Google has planned for this year. Different before, Google's upcoming hardware will not be labelled as "Nexus," but will be known as "Pixel." We accept seen a number of rumors and leaks that have talked about these highly anticipated Pixel and Pixel XL devices. Google will now release the new Pixel phones with Android 7.1, along with a make new Pixel Launcher.

While an incremental software update, this Pixel Launcher will bring a new look and feel for the homescreen. Folks at Android Constabulary have been looking through the different apks (API 25), and have revealed that Google has some large changes planned for the homescreen of new Pixel devices.

Rounded icons in Android 7.one Pixel Launcher

Android has e'er let different apps have their own manner with the icon shape. There was no standard shape as every app logo appeared without being fitted inside a shaped box. Google is changing that now, starting with Pixel Launcher. The new launcher volition bring rounded icons to the homescreen. Google has either redesigned its own icons to fit the shape, or simply rested them in a circle. Which, past the fashion, doesn't look very pleasant.

It certainly doesn't seem like a bad modify and the uniformity might really await expert. Just, some icons would definitely need redesigning forth the fashion. Here are some screenshots of the new rounded icons.

Talking nigh icons, nosotros cannot miss Google Calendar, as information technology appears the Mountain View company is adopting a new dynamic icon for the Calendar app. The app'due south icon - both in its regular and new circular format - will show the current date. While the feature appears to be limited to Pixel Launcher, Google has made sure that other launchers can likewise apply the dynamic Agenda icon. Information technology's besides early to suggest if Google will share this special ability with other Calendar apps.

Hello to 3D Touch on Android?

Nosotros already talked nearly 3D Touch-like launcher shortcuts when Android Northward Programmer Preview was introduced. It appears that the theories around pressure sensitive screens for Pixel devices are going to stay. Pixel Launcher is plainly bringing back Launcher Shortcuts, that were originally discovered in the Preview before in the year.

Working similar to 3D Bear on iOS, we still don't know if they would crave a pressure sensitive brandish, or would work with long-presses, swipes, and gestures. "Nosotros've heard nil almost pressure level sensitive screens in the upcoming Pixel and Pixel XL handsets. That doesn't hateful they can't have specialized hardware, merely at this point, the rumors probably would have exposed that detail. This means nosotros should probably await a gesture on these phones," Android Police noted.

New icon shapes and Launcher Shorcuts are both expected to be part of Android seven.1 which is rumored to release with the Pixel devices. Of course, this won't be the end of "new features," but if these 2 are whatsoever hint, Android seven.i isn't going to be annihilation like an incremental update. At least non for the new Pixel phones that arrive on October quaternary.