Previously, the Pixel launcher had a very convenient feature that let you quickly launch apps right from the Google search bar. After it was taken away, it seems that the company had a change of heart. Now, the Pixel launcher has a quick launch feature.
During the transition from Android 12 to Android 13, Google added and took away certain convenient features. One of them let you type in the app’s name and quickly launch that app by just pressing the enter button on the keyboard. However, when Google introduced the unified search bar, the current search bar that allows you to search your entire system rather than just Google, the feature was taken away.
Google brings the quick launch feature to the Pixel launcher
While that was disappointing news, it appears that Google has changed its mind. According to a report from 9To5Google, Google is rolling out the Quick Launch feature to Pixel devices. When you type an app’s name into the unified search bar, you’ll only have to press the Enter button in order to launch it.
It’s a small but useful convenience. It eliminates you having to reach up to open the app. And, it just makes the process that much quicker.
This is currently rolling out, but it may be a bit of a while before it reaches your phone. This feature was spotted on a Pixel 7 running the Android 13 QPR2 with the May security patch. It’s a server-side update, and that only makes it that much more exclusive.
However, you’ll just want to hold tight and wait a couple of days for the feature to hit your phone. We expect it to hit the Pixel 7 phones first and then trickle down to older Pixel devices afterward.
Speaking of Android, if you’re curious about trying out Android 14, you can do so if you have an eligible Pixel device. Just know that the software will most likely be unstable, so you will be installing at your own risk. You can read more about it here.