Pixel Launcher unlikely to come to other smartphones anytime soon, exclusive to Pixel phones

posted by Cosmin V. / Oct 05, 2016, 6:32 AM

Pixel Launcher unlikely to come to other smartphones anytime soon, exclusive to Pixel phones

The long-rumored Nexus Launcher that turned into Pixel Launcher yesterday when Google announced the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, will not be coming to other phones. Not even Google's Nexus phones won't be getting the new Pixel Launcher.

The search giant recently confirmed the launcher is exclusive to Pixel devices, so no other handset will get the Pixel Launcher unless its released under the same family. Google also stated that it does not have any plans include the Pixel Launcher on the Nexus phones.

However, the company's recent statement suggests that this is time exclusive, so we shouldn't rule out the possible addition of the Pixel Launcher on devices other than Pixel-branded phones and tablets.

Basically, Google does not have immediate plans to port the Pixel Launcher to other devices, but it's taking it into consideration. We're not sure how hard it could be for this launcher to be expanded to other smartphones, but we're certain that if Google doesn't do that soon there will be many tech-savvies that will port it to their phones through unofficial means.

Although the fact that Google is now evaluating the porting of the Pixel Launcher to other smartphones doesn't sound to optimistic, there's a chance that after a few months the Mountain View-based company will come to terms and allow those who don't own a Pixel smartphone to experiment with some of its features.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

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14 Comments

1. GreenMan

Posts: 2698; Member since: Nov 09, 2015

Google thinks that just because of a unique 'Launcher', people will dish out 600 & 800 for Pixel & Pixel XL respectively...!!! Don't ya worry, PA... Play Store will soon be filled with 'knock-offs'... I mean, it even has a Windows Phone Launcher that looks pretty close to the real deal and even has some MORE features...! Good Luck with that Pixel, Google... G'Day!

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 6:39 AM 3

3. GreenMan

BTW, in case I wasn't clear enough, The Launcher looks pretty neat... Very VERY simple which people like me tend to crave... But I shan't dish out $600 JUST for that...! Now some might say: "You're forgetting the unlimited cloud, Old Man (Its "GreenMan, BTW)". Well, as of now, my Google Drive says: 242MB of 17GB used (P.S I got the extra 2 Gigs for updating my security settings and preferences an year or so ago) G'Day!

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 7:00 AM 1

7. Scott93274

Posts: 6040; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

FYI, you can get an additional 2 GBs every year of reviewing your security settings... or so has been the case in my experience. I agree with you the launcher looks neat, I've actually been using it the past few weeks, side loaded from "other source". And there are already a couple popular launchers that have the Pixel launcher layout. But the Pixel is also the replacement for the Nexus line, so you can expect it to be the first to get OS updates, and security updates. Google also has 3rd party specialists identifying the Pixel as the best smartphone camera currently on the market, across all platforms. It's the first phone to be compatible with Google's Daydream VR platform. It's also the only smartphone with Google Assistant built in. Unlimited cloud storage for your full sized photos and videos. Seamless updates. It's compatible with Google Fi which has saved me over $400 in 9 months, and so far the service has been awesome. And as of right now, it's the fastest smartphone on the market, save probably the iPhone. The Pixel does have a lot of selling points aside from the launcher, it's an overall very attractive phone in regards to the features. But in the end, I bought my 5.7", 1440p, 128GB, Nexus 6P last year for $650 which is how much they're asking for the 5", 1080p, 32GB Pixel... ... so I guess for me it's still too expensive. I guess I'll have to hold out until the Pixel 2 in 2017.

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 7:43 AM 1

2. Fona13A unregistered

Yeah no Google, there's a thing called app development.

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 6:46 AM 4

4. Barney_stinson

Posts: 672; Member since: May 30, 2016

lol !! can be bet on it!! wait for 3 months just!!

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 7:01 AM 0

6. ebilcake

Posts: 1231; Member since: Jul 16, 2016

Give it a few weeks and most launchers will have copied this.

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 7:42 AM 0

23. Hoggington

Posts: 356; Member since: Feb 23, 2016

Hopefully not. Isn't very attractive.

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 11:06 AM 0

14. MrAnonymous

Posts: 95; Member since: May 25, 2014

Errr... The apk released a while ago, around 10 days and am using it in my phone along with the wallpaper app.. Just Google Google pixel launcher leaked .apk

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 8:34 AM 2

20. sip1995

Posts: 1771; Member since: Feb 07, 2014

Link please...

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 10:07 AM 0

18. Ezio2710

Posts: 548; Member since: Aug 22, 2015

Try Nova and action launcher

posted on Oct 05, 2016, 8:54 AM 0

19. thxultra

Posts: 472; Member since: Oct 16, 2014

This phone looks a lot like a iphone knock off to me. Was hoping for something more innovative but think google played it too safe. The launcher looks simple and fast though sure it will be nice but like others said not sure it is worth the money for the phone just for that.