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Whenever new versions of software are released and new features are brought with them, we usually jump at the chance to bring these features to our personal devices. One such case is the new Pixel Launcher which has been added to the Pixel and Pixel XL with Android O.
Luckily, a trusted contributor over at the XDA Developer Forums has gotten his hands on the new Pixel Launcher and was able to port the launcher to devices running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and above. The steps needed to bring this launcher to your device are pretty easy, and just require you to download and install a file.
Before getting started, you’ll need to make sure that your device can install packages that aren’t from the Play Store. In order to do so, you’ll follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings
- Select Security
- Toggle ‘Unknown Sources’
If you’re worried about security, be sure to head back into Settings to turn off the ability to download from unknown sources in the future.
Once enabled, you’ll need to hit the button below to download the necessary Pixel Launcher APK file. After the download has completed, simply pull down your notification shade and select the downloaded file. It will automatically install after confirming that you do, in fact, want to install the updated Pixel Launcher.
There are some issues that have arisen with this download, as it has left a blue background in the apps drawer for some. However, this should be fixed with the latest update to the app. Plus, as a little bonus, if your device is running Android 7.1 Nougat or above, you should see the ability to add app shortcuts when long pressing icons on your home screen.
Hit the button below to download the APK and give us a look at your new home screen. If the official Pixel Launcher isn’t your sort of thing, you can check out the instructions here on how using Nova Launcher to do the same thing.
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