Google Now Launcher available for all devices running Android 4.1+

posted by Michael H. / Aug 01, 2014, 10:24 PM

Google Now Launcher available for all devices running Android 4.1+

The Google Now Launcher began life on the Nexus 5 when it was released this past Halloween. It expanded to other Nexus and Google Play edition devices in February (although plenty of you probably sideloaded it). Today, the app has expanded once again, and can now be installed on any Android devices running Jelly Bean or higher. There are no feature updates to the app, but it is still one of the better alternative launchers for Android if you want the stock experience.

The Google Now Launcher is mostly a stock experience, but there are a few very nice extra features, which are (obviously) focused on Google Now. First of all, Google Now gets a permanent home to the left of your main homescreen, which is surprisingly convenient, even if you usually use the quick access gesture of dragging up from the home button. The other nice feature is being able to use the "OK Google" hotword from any of your homescreens to automatically trigger voice commands.

As for the smaller features, you can import your homescreen layout from any other launcher, and the status and navigation bars are translucent to really let your wallpaper pop. The app description also gives some features like "easy access to your favorite Google products" and having access to a dedicated search box, but those are pretty silly given that any launcher could offer the same.

Download: Google Now Launcher

source: @Android

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15 Comments

1. crazymonkey05

Posts: 187; Member since: Nov 20, 2012

Finally!!!!

posted on Aug 01, 2014, 10:58 PM 3

2. sprockkets

Posts: 1612; Member since: Jan 16, 2012

"The other nice feature is being able to use the "OK Google" hotword from any of your homescreens to automatically trigger voice commands. " You can use the hot word anywhere, not just the home screens.

posted on Aug 01, 2014, 10:59 PM 1

4. hurrycanger

Posts: 1754; Member since: Dec 01, 2013

Yep. That thing is relatively new. But still, on Jellybean devices, you can't do that. Or can you? Cuz I currently have 2 phones with 4.2.2 with me, and neither of them can do that. My Moto G can.

posted on Aug 01, 2014, 11:49 PM 0

5. AfterShock

Posts: 4146; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Can even use it when phone screen is off, but has to be plugged in.

posted on Aug 02, 2014, 12:27 AM 0

3. StraightEdgeNexus

Posts: 3689; Member since: Feb 14, 2014

Now that's awesome. IMO Every play store app should be compatible with android 4.1+, It has the largest share currently. Ofcourse, some app features must be stripped off in case of API incompatability on older android versions.

posted on Aug 01, 2014, 11:44 PM 0

6. tweetgadget

Posts: 72; Member since: Feb 05, 2014

Its cool but nova is still my launcher of choice

posted on Aug 02, 2014, 6:04 AM 0

7. cezarepc

Posts: 718; Member since: Nov 23, 2012

Will try for a couple of days

posted on Aug 02, 2014, 6:59 AM 0

8. Feanor

Posts: 1292; Member since: Jun 20, 2012

Hmm, it transformed my Xperia Z1 Compact into a Nexus device. Who needs Nexus anymore?

posted on Aug 02, 2014, 10:18 AM 1

11. boosook

Posts: 1442; Member since: Nov 19, 2012

I transformed my xperia V. Sony's widgets are not working, though. If you miss the wonderful clock widget get this:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonyericsson.digitalclockwidget2

posted on Aug 03, 2014, 5:57 AM 0

9. Tsepz_GP

Posts: 1126; Member since: Apr 12, 2012

Working beautifully on my GS4, nice ,clean and simple.

posted on Aug 02, 2014, 5:37 PM 0

10. boosook

Great, great, great! I love this launcher!

posted on Aug 03, 2014, 5:45 AM 0

12. pkiran1996

Posts: 166; Member since: Oct 22, 2011

Is there a way I can get the stock icons as well? I don't like having the launcher with Sense / TouchWiz icons :/ looks weird and they don't match

posted on Aug 03, 2014, 9:55 AM 0

13. addisbad

Posts: 48; Member since: Aug 03, 2014

touchwiz is way better than this crap

posted on Aug 03, 2014, 11:21 AM 0

14. TBomb

Posts: 1134; Member since: Dec 28, 2012

can someone give me a rundown on battery life impact with this running?

posted on Aug 03, 2014, 1:36 PM 0

15. javy108

Posts: 1004; Member since: Jul 27, 2014

Something I hate about Android is the stock theme in Jellybean and ICS, is crap that gray background under the apps. I hope this Theme is fast as Nova.