Just as noise about the upcoming Google Pixel 2 has started building up, the first flagship Pixel's home launcher quietly got redesigned.
When the Google Pixel and Pixel XL launched in October 2016, these phones came with their own Pixel Launcher. Some users have recently noticed that the pill-shaped launcher has morphed into a more traditional Google search bar.
Pixel is Google's first flagship phone launched in 2016. The Google Pixel 2 is rumored to launch this 2017.
Google Search Bar Is Back
According to one report, some Pixel users have discovered that the Pixel Launcher has gotten a new design. When it was first launched, the launcher featured a pill-shaped widget with the iconic "G" logo on it located on the upper left side of the screen. Across it on the right, the phone displays the temperature and date.
However, the launcher has morphed into a more traditional Google search bar. The erstwhile pill widget has become a white rectangular search bar. The temperature and date have disappeared, leaving the search bar to span the whole width of the screen.
If you are a Pixel user and you prefer this search bar launcher, simply clear the data in the launcher app and your Pixel will run the new version of the launcher. Google has not made any announcements regarding the launcher redesign as of this writing.
Google Pixel Quick Facts
Google Pixel is Google's first flagship phone that runs Google's Android 7.1 Nougat operating system. Google Pixel and Pixel XL were first unveiled on Oct. 4, 2016 during a #MadeByGoogle event.
Pixel features a 5-inch AMOLED display with 1,080 x 1,920 resolution, while Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen that carries a 1,440 x 2,560 resolution. Both screens are made with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and both bodies come in Silver or Black colors.
Under the hood, both phones pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 32 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM. The battery capacity for Pixel is 2,770 mAh while the bigger Pixel XL has 3,450 mAh of juice.
The Pixel line of phones is a favorite among snappers as both phones pack 12.3-megapixel f/2 rear cameras with IR and laser-assisted autofocus. Selfie takers would find the 8-megapixel front cam enough for their needs.
Both phones run Android Nougat OS, which featured the aforementioned pill-shaped Pixel Launcher. These phones are also one of the first to feature Google Assistant, an AI personal assistant like Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana. Pixel also supports Google Daydream, Google's own VR platform.
