The Google Pixel Launcher is the one that comes pre-installed on all Made by Google smartphones, but there are many alternatives out there (including Xposed modules) for users who prefer more customization possibilities and, in the midst of all, Pixel Launcher Mods deserves a place of respect.
The last time we talked about the default Google Pixel launcher we talked about the increased integration with Photos. Today, however, we are not talking about the official Mountain View app, but about a modified and even enhanced version.
Pixel Launcher Mods v2: all the news of the new version
Pixel Launcher Mods is a project of the XDA Quinny899 Recognized Developer and it is not the first time that we talk about it on these pages. Compared to the unripe version of 2018, however, the one we are dealing with today is completely renewed. Yes, because, as the old launcher was completely inadequate for the AOSP Launcher3 codebase, the developer went to great lengths to rewrite it from scratch.
The new Pixel Launcher Mods v2 is compatible with Android 12 and higher and includes all the functions of the predecessor, but also much more. By combining the possibilities of Runtime Resource Overlay (RRO) and the systemless interface of Magisk, the v2 release offers more customization possibilities, starting with the possibility of replacing the classic At a Glance widget or the Google search bar with another widget chosen by the user.
In addition to this, it is possible to thematize the icons of all the apps based on the active theme at the system level, a possibility that not even the official version supports yet (the jump will come with Android 13). If all this were not enough, know that now the project is open-source, so it can grow faster thanks to the contribution of other developers.
Here is the complete list of the new features of Pixel Launcher Mods v2 and the following screenshots:
- Custom icons, including icon packs, adaptive icon packs and Lawnicons
- Custom themed icons, add themed icons to apps that don’t yet have them officially
- Generate themed icons from supported normal icons
- Replace the At a Glance or Search Box with a widget of your choice
- Hide apps from the app drawer
- Resize widgets beyond their original bounds, down to 1×1 or up to the maximum size of your grid
- Hide the status bar clock while the Pixel Launcher is visible, for ultimate minimalism.
For more details you can consult the thread on XDA, while below you will find the download link from the GitHub repo, the launcher requires root.