Google launched its newest flagship gadgets, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL again in early October and it’s completely one of many extra simplistic but highly effective telephones of this 12 months. It might have ditched the headphone jack and never adopted the dual-rear digital camera setup however it does embrace some new unique software program options, identical to yearly. You get a redesigned structure for the homescreen, an ‘At a Look’ calendar widget, together with new ambient show options similar to at all times listening music recognition and extra. So, for those who’re enthusiastic about bringing the straightforward and serene look of the inventory Pixel launcher, together with the intuitiveness of Pixel 2 to your machine, observe together with the pointers outlined beneath:
Use Pixel 2 Options on Your Android Gadget
Notice: I attempted the next strategies on my Nexus 5X operating Android 8.1 Oreo Developer Preview and Xiaomi Redmi Notice 3 operating Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It labored completely with none hiccups.
With the step outlined beneath, you’ll not solely be capable of replicate the options of the Pixel 2 gadgets however may even get acquainted with among the Oreo-exclusive options. Listed below are the steps you want to observe to get a lot of the Pixel 2 software program options on any of your Android gadgets:
1. Establishing Pixel 2’s Inventory-Android Homescreen
With the launch of the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL, Google is now additional refining the homescreen expertise by updating the launcher to be extra straight-forward and intuitive to make use of. It doesn’t require you to recollect any gestures or different futile data to make their official inventory launcher some of the wonderful in the marketplace. Right here’s how one can carry comparable intuitiveness to your Android machine:
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Utilizing Modified Pixel Launcher Apk
Because the launch of the Pixel 2 gadgets, the builders over at XDA have stored themselves busy in porting software program options of the inventory Pixel launcher over to different Android gadgets. And so they’ve been profitable in porting two outstanding highlights of Pixel launcher, the Google search bar within the backside dock and “At A Look” calendar & climate widget. They’ve made the modified bundle of the Pixel Launcher out there for you, customers with gadgets operating Android 5.0 and above.
When you’ve put in this modified Pixel launcher, you will note that the Google search bar is already docked on the backside, the ‘At A Look’ widget is pinned to the highest, the folders and the app drawer resemble the inventory UI of the Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL gadgets. You may as well lengthy press the ‘At A Look’ widget to alter its preferences and faucet on it to entry the climate or calendar app.
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Utilizing a Third-party Launcher App
Should you’re extra into customizing and constructing your individual homescreen structure, it is best to go for third-party launchers as an alternative. The well-known launchers, similar to Nova or Motion, have already built-in a lot of the Pixel 2 options into their apps. We’ll use Nova Launcher (Free, unlock Prime model for $4.99) to make our machine resemble the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL by activating the launcher, shifting Google search bar to the underside dock and inserting the ‘At A Look’ widget on the prime.
You can provide ending touches to the homescreen by downloading an icon pack that appears similar to the Pixel 2 gadgets. My advice for you’ll be the Pixel Icon Pack-Nougat Free UI (Free, in-app purchases begin at $0.99). You possibly can learn extra about find out how to setup Nova Launcher to seem like the Pixel 2 Launcher proper right here.
The prime model of the Nova Launcher unlocks extra customization choices and makes adaptive launcher icons out there to you. This makes it simpler to streamline the person expertise because the icons can now undertake totally different shapes and kinds, a characteristic that has been made out there in Android Oreo. Every {hardware} maker can outline an icon masks that’ll apply to every app in your machine.
2. Mimicking the Pixel 2 Navigation Bar Animations
Now that you just’re performed imitating the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL homescreen, you want to change the navigation bar icons of your Android machine to match Google Pixel 2. The navigation bar, with an animated dwelling button, was launched again with the unique Pixels however has now been carried ahead to this 12 months’s flagships. To activate the animated navigation dwelling icon, you want to obtain the Pixel Navigation bar app (Free, unlock Professional model for $1.99) from the Google Play Retailer.
This app neither requires you to root your Android machine nor it wants any particular permissions to set the Pixel navigation bar. It attracts the navigation buttons, together with the animated dwelling button, as an overlay on prime of the present navigation icons. As soon as performed, it supplies you choices to alter the place, dimension and shade overlay of those icons. You’ll, nevertheless, have to buy the Professional model to unlock the flexibility to set customized dwelling button animations and auto-start on boot. It additionally will get rids of pestering commercials.
3. Mesmerizing Stay Wallpapers
Our homescreen already resembles the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 however this remaining part, which is extraordinarily wonderful, will additional add to the attraction of your machine. We could also be conversant in Stay Wallpapers on our smartphones however Google has now one-upped the expertise by making satellite tv for pc photos from Google Earth out there as reside wallpapers. Right here you may see vehicles whizzing on the mountainous roads of Hawaii, the tidal waves on the shoreline of Lagos, a close-up shot of our moon and rather more.
You wouldn’t notice their wow issue till you apply them to the homescreen. Comply with these steps to simply apply the official Pixel reside wallpapers in your machine:
- Now, open the Wallpapers app and scroll right down to see the Pixel wallpapers seem below the “Stay wallpapers” part. Choose any considered one of them and apply to both the homescreen, lockscreen or each.
Whereas that is the best technique to apply Pixel reside wallpapers on any of your Android gadgets, you could discover the frames begin to drop and the machine lag as a result of load of the shifting photos on low-end gadgets with older-generation processors. I seen some delay in machine animations on my Nexus 5X after making use of the reside wallpaper. It might additionally have an effect on the battery lifetime of your machine as a result of steady movement within the reside photos.
4. Get Google Lens on Non-Pixel Units
Google goals to make its astounding picture recognition characteristic, Google Lens, out there to most Android customers sooner or later however is presently limiting it to “Pixel 2 gadgets” and older Pixels. The developer group, nevertheless, will not be trying to wait this day out and needs to expertise each new characteristic firsthand.
When you have a rooted Android machine, you may obtain the Google Lens flashable ZIP file and set up it utilizing TWRP after booting your cellphone into restoration mode. You possibly can flip over to Google to know the important thing mixture for opening restoration mode in your machine. Should you favor a step-by-step information to the method, you may learn all about activating Google Lens on non-Pixel gadgets proper right here.
When you’ve flashed the Google Lens ZIP file, open any image in Google Pictures to note that a brand new Google Lens icon has now appeared among the many choices on the backside. You’ll need to faucet on this icon to acknowledge the contents of the image however it could not work generally because the characteristic continues to be below growth.
Whereas the Google Lens performance has presently solely made its technique to Google Pictures, it’s anticipated to seem in Google Assistant very quickly. It’ll be out there on the backside nook on the correct for the reason that left and middle are occupied by the keyboard and microphone buttons respectively.
5. All the time Listening “Now Taking part in” Mode
One of the crucial attention-grabbing options of the Pixel 2/ Pixel 2 XL is the “Now Taking part in” mode that makes use of the microphone to repeatedly hearken to music enjoying within the background to determine and floor the music on the ambient show. This implies you don’t even need to unlock your machine to know the songs enjoying at your close by Starbucks.
This characteristic is unique to the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as a result of Google is attempting to construct its personal {hardware} presence to compete in opposition to the likes of Apple and Samsung. Therefore, it isn’t handing out each characteristic it develops within the official Android launch every year. There’s presently no data on whether or not it’ll ever make it to different Android gadgets, therefore, we will carry out an analogous motion with a little-known characteristic of the music recognition app Shazam (Free).
This characteristic is called Auto Shazam and it acknowledges the songs enjoying close by even once you exit the app. It was added to Android gadgets again in 2016 and is out there below the Settings menu, the place you want to toggle the “Auto Shazam” choice to allow the identical. It is usually doable to allow this characteristic by tapping “Activate” after lengthy urgent the Shazam button within the app. Now you can exit the app, lock the display screen and play music to see the app mechanically acknowledge it.
Nevertheless, it is best to preserve two issues in thoughts whereas utilizing the Auto-Shazam characteristic. Firstly, it is going to solely show the title of the presently enjoying music on the lockscreen and never on the ambient show. You possibly can faucet on the “Auto Shazam” notification to see the entire “acknowledged” songs record within the app. Second, the Shazam app must proceed operating within the background to hearken to music, so it’ll take a toll in your battery and information providers.
6. Capturing Movement Picture Is Simple
Google is making an enormous characteristic addition to the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL’s digital camera within the type of “Movement Pictures” that’s fairly much like Stay Pictures characteristic popularized by Apple. This lets you seize a number of seconds of video when clicking an image, making a photograph transfer and act like GIFs. The Mountain View big hasn’t mentioned when this characteristic will make it to different Android gadgets, so right here’s you should utilize it instantly:
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For First-gen Pixel Units
Although you will have already began receiving a lot of the Pixel 2 unique options, the Movement Pictures characteristic continues to be lacking out of your Google Digicam app. However, you don’t have to attend any longer because the XDA developer group has made the most recent Google Digicam APK with help for Movement Picture and Face Retouching out there for you. This may add a bit of extra life to the images you seize on the transfer.
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For Different Android Units
Even for those who’re not utilizing a smartphone machine from Google’s {hardware} lineup, you may nonetheless use the ‘Movement Pictures’ characteristic utilizing a third-party app referred to as Digicam MX (Free, in-app buy begins at $0.99).
After you have put in the app, faucet on the second icon, i.e the three circles, on the highest left and choose “Stay Shot“. It’s a premium characteristic however you may attempt to seize three reside photographs instantly. The reside photographs come connected with a 3-second video, which will be acknowledged by the hurricane tag connected to it. Click on right here to learn an in depth overview of find out how to use this characteristic.
Whenever you open a reside shot’s preview, you’ll be prompted to “press and maintain” to see the video enjoying in a loop, which has similarities to the official Pixel expertise. You may as well faucet on the pencil icon on the prime to edit the reside shot and create a GIF/video loop utilizing the identical. You possibly can seize and save Movement Stills (Free) utilizing an app of the identical title, launched formally by Google Analysis.
7. All the time-On Show
The Pixel 2 gadgets are usually not heavy on (gimmicky) unique options however it now contains the ambient show performance seen on Samsung or Motorola gadgets. It simply exhibits you time, date and apps which will have notifications however it doesn’t allow you to open and faucet on the identical. We are going to set up an app referred to as All the time On AMOLED (Free, in-app purchases begin at $0.99) that one-ups the performance added to the Pixel 2 gadgets. The app works effectively with AMOLED shows however will not be so nice with LCD ones. The app carries a “BETA” tag however you needn’t fear about the identical as a result of it is going to work simply fantastic.
When you’ve put in the app and granted all of it mandatory permissions, enabled All the time On AMOLED to get the ambient show performance of the Pixel 2 gadgets. It supplies you the flexibility to alter watch faces, background wallpapers, show notifications, and memos. Even all of the widgets on the always-on show transfer round mechanically to keep away from display screen burn-in points.
8. Have Enjoyable With AR Stickers
Since digital actuality has taken a again seat, the launch of the Pixel 2 gadgets was earmarked with the debut of augmented actuality (AR) stickers that may simply be accessed utilizing the cellphone’s digital camera. It follows pursuit to Apple’s AR-focused efforts, which appear to be a spotlight of consideration for the Cupertino big.
Google states Pixel 2’s cameras are extremely optimized and calibrated for augmented actuality experiences proper out of the field. You possibly can open the Google Digicam so as to add stickers to your images/movies earlier than capturing them. Since we can’t reproduce the AR stickers out there on Pixel 2 gadgets, we’ll set up a third-party hologram app referred to as Holo – Holograms for Movies in Augmented Actuality (Free).
It supplies you a set of holographic photos, be it celebrities, athletes or animals, to select from and increase your environment. Holo’s providing is expansive than Google’s present providing and also you’ll be capable of click on an image or report a video of the identical to share with your pals.
As well as, Google is taking over Apple’s ARKit with its personal slimmed down model of Tango expertise dubbed as ARCore. These frameworks will make AR extra approachable for the common human, who’ll quickly be capable of add stuff to their environment with ease. If you’re on the lookout for extra AR sticker apps, try the options proper right here.
9. System-wide Theming by way of Substratum
If that is the primary time you’re listening to about Substratum, then it is best to know that that is presently some of the common theming selection for Android customers. The framework was developed by Sony, generally known as Runtime Useful resource Overlay (RRO), however was handed right down to Google to merge it with the inventory Android code by way of Layers. Builders have now discovered a technique to theme your Android expertise with the usage of this straightforward Layers supervisor. Pixel 2 appears to utilize this framework because the system UI modifications its colours primarily based on wallpapers utilized to the homescreen. So, you may also discover ways to change the appears of your system UI by way of Substratum proper right here.
Notice: You possibly can apply Substratum themes to any Android machine if it’s rooted and operating Android 6.0 and above. Customers have mentioned that one could not require rooting their gadgets in the event that they’re operating Android 8.0 Oreo.
Should you’re tired of the skinned or mild model of your Android theme, you may set up a hoard of themes that fit your style. I’m a darkish theme-lover, so my favourite Substratum theme is “Default Darkish“, which provides a grey-ish shade to the entire system UI whereas sustaining the inventory fonts and icons. Right here’s an inventory of 15 cool themes you may strive in your Android machine.
10. Use the Redesigned Pixel Dialer
Google has not solely spruced up the homescreen structure of the Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL, it has additionally upgraded some of the used apps on the gadgets as effectively. We’re speaking concerning the dialer app, which has acquired a facelift to develop into extra intuitive and responsive for the tip person. The caller ID display screen now introduces a translucent blue gradient that also exhibits off your background wallpaper.
You possibly can obtain the most recent model of Google Telephone from apkmirror, utilizing your machine’s browser. The brand new dialer app can also be enhancing on the performance of the caller show, as you now have to swipe as much as reply the decision and swipe right down to reject it. Earlier, you needed to swipe proper and left respectively to carry out these duties.
The Pixel 2 dialer app positive aspects Google Duo integration, making it tremendous helpful for video calls on the go. It provides a shortcut for creating a brand new contact, usable by way of launchers that help it, proper from the homescreen. There isn’t a technique to affirm whether or not it is going to work in your machine or not, aside from putting in it from the hyperlink above. Customers have reported that it’s suitable with older Google telephones similar to Nexus 5X and 6P however it could not work with non-Google telephones. It labored mighty fantastic for me.
11. Verify Bluetooth Gadget Battery Stage
As we’re shifting away from conventional ports, such because the headphone jack, it has develop into extraordinarily essential to preserve monitor of the battery ranges of our Bluetooth gadgets. Although many {hardware} makers have modded their Android choices to point out the battery degree of Bluetooth gadgets within the notification shade, it has solely made its technique to inventory Android with the most recent 8.1 Oreo developer preview.
To see battery ranges of your wi-fi machine on any Android machine, you want to obtain the BatON app (Free) from the Google Play Retailer. When you open the app, you’ll already see the battery degree of your Bluetooth gadgets, in the event that they’re linked to the smartphone. By default, it refreshes the battery ranges each 3 hours however you may head to Settings > Auto Measure to alter the rechecking time-frame.
Notice: This methodology solely works with gadgets that have a Fingers-Free profile (settle for, reject cellphone calls) or a GATT profile (often 4.0+ Low Power gadgets). You possibly can learn extra on this material proper right here.
Should you don’t need BatON to often test on your Bluetooth machine’s battery degree, you’ll have to alter the auto-measure settings and faucet the battery notification to recheck for a change within the battery degree. You may as well flash your machine with Android 8.1 Oreo as soon as it’s out there broadly to all.
12. Routinely Allow Wi-Fi on Oreo Units
One other Pixel unique characteristic, which is barely restricted to Android Oreo customers, is the flexibility to connect with activate Wi-Fi providers mechanically. When you’ve enabled this characteristic, wi-fi providers on the machine will mechanically be turned on when it’s close to high-quality saved networks.
You possibly can allow this characteristic in your machine by connecting your machine to the pc and altering the worldwide settings of your machine. You possibly can learn extra on find out how to activate “Activate Wi-Fi Routinely” on your machine operating Oreo proper right here.
SEE ALSO: High 7 Google Pixel 2 Alternate options You Can Purchase
Pixel 2 Options Ported: Not Too Far-reaching?
With the Pixel 2 gadgets, Google has determined to tread with warning and supply you the positive shot options you want in a smartphone. It isn’t operating after gimmicks to offer you an upgraded expertise, as promised by many {hardware} makers, however is trying to present you a a lot cleaner, responsive and intuitive expertise. Customers need the straightforward issues on their smartphone to be up-to-the-mark is a far-reaching assumption to make however the Pixels have nonetheless managed to offer a superior all-around expertise.
Finally, it boils right down to the actual fact whether or not one can overlook the {hardware} glitches of the Pixel 2 gadgets and nonetheless undertake the identical only for the inventory Android expertise. If not, you may customise your machine to match the pure and serene look of the Pixel 2. Tell us within the feedback down under if we may’ve personalized the expertise any higher.
