Google Nexus 2016 Devices Likely To Sport New Launcher; Leaked Screenshots Hint Exciting Changes!
ByIf rumors doing rounds are anything to go by, Google is gearing up to debut an all-new launcher in the upcoming Nexus devices slated to launch this year.
Several reliable sources and reports hint the brand-new launcher for Nexus devices. Android Police even claims to have seen strong visual evidence of the purported Nexus launcher.
Following last year's trend, Google is reportedly working on two new Nexus smartphones for 2016. The handsets are allegedly codenamed, "Marlin" and "Sailfish," both manufactured by HTC.
The new launcher will not sport the app drawer icon; however the app drawer will still be accessible, but just concealed under a "frosted glass" section nearby the static icons on the bottom of the homescreen.
There are two ways users can access the app drawer: firstly, by sliding up in the "frosted glass" or alternatively by tapping the arrow above the zone.
Closing the app drawer is equally easy. Users can swipe down anywhere from the screen (apart from navigation bar and notification), or just tap on the back button in order to close the app drawer. The app drawer also sports an overhauled search bar on the top.
Citing the leaked screenshots, it looks like the home screen has been modified. The Google Search app is now replaced with a calendar widget, which is positioned right opposite the "G pull-tab." Users can access Google Search by tapping on the tabs.
The search-engine giant may also roll out fresh navigation buttons in the upcoming Nexus launcher, Tech Times reported.
Rumor mills have been swirling speculations around the imminent Nexus launcher hinting it will be available to Nexus models running on Android 7.0 Nougat. It's no secret that Google usually rolls out its latest OS with a new Nexus device. Last year, the company released Android 6.0 Marshmallow in September and the Nexus 5X and 6P were the first devices to run the latest OS. Other Nexus devices received a software update as well.
Although Google has remained mum regarding the next Nexus smartphones, there is a possibility that the company will debut two new mobile phones this quarter. The purported Nexus phones will the first to run on Android 7.0 Nougat.
The leaked screenshots for the upcoming Nexus launcher hint it is still in the works and Google, on the other hand has divulged no details regarding this so far. It is also likely that developers of the popular tech firm may decide to make some modifications to the launcher before it finally makes an appearance on the next-gen Nexus smartphones.
