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Earlier this week, Google officially introduced Android 8.0 Oreo, and along with it, a slew of new changes to Android as we know it. However, in addition to including a way to theme the system (through some backwards methods) we were also brought an updated Pixel Launcher.
The changes to this launcher are minor, but the real story comes thanks to u/AmirZ over on Reddit. After Oreo dropped, the work began on porting the updated launcher to non-Pixel devices, and now there’s a port that’s available for many devices, without worrying about the need for root access.
Additionally, there are a few extra goodies thrown in, such as the ability to pull down on your home screen to view the notification shade. Now, for those of you out there who are hungry to get your hands on the new Pixel Launcher, here are the steps you need to take to put this launcher on your device of choice.
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 2.0 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.
It seems that there were some early issues with the initial release, but those have seemingly been cleared up with the latest “2.0.2” release. If you’re worried about compatibility, I’ve tested this launcher on both the Galaxy S8 Plus and LG G6 with no issues, so everything should be a go.
It’s important to note that you won’t be able to customize icons, like you could with the “Lawnchair” launcher which released awhile back. So if you’re running a device with stock icons like the Galaxy S8 Plus, you’ll be stuck with Samsung’s stock icons.
If you run into any issues, sound off in the comments below and give us a heads up and we’ll see what we can do to assist.
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