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Nexus 5 launcher now available for all Nexus devices


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Old 27-02-2014, 17:17
omnidirectional
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You can now bring the Nexus 5 look to any other Nexus device (4, 7 or 10), as Google have made it available as an optional download on the Play Store.

You'll notice bigger icons, a range of new wallpapers and some other UI tweaks. Plus, easier access to Google Now if you use that.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-3513_7-...nexus-devices/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...droid.launcher
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Old 27-02-2014, 17:36
chenks
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it's not the "nexus 5" launcher, it's the Google Now Launcher (previously known as the Google Experience Launcher).
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Old 27-02-2014, 18:43
omnidirectional
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"Google Now Launcher as used on the Nexus 5 is now available on all Nexus devices" might have been a more suitable thread title but was probably too long. Apologies if it caused any confusion.
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Old 27-02-2014, 19:10
chenks
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"Google Now Launcher as used on the Nexus 5 is now available on all Nexus devices" might have been a more suitable thread title but was probably too long. Apologies if it caused any confusion.
also GPE devices too.
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Old 28-02-2014, 07:06
noise747
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it's not the "nexus 5" launcher, it's the Google Now Launcher (previously known as the Google Experience Launcher).
i think I will avoid that then.
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Old 28-02-2014, 08:35
chenks
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i think I will avoid that then.
because of the name? how strange.
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Old 28-02-2014, 15:07
LostFool
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I've just put this onto my Nexus 4 and 7 and it seems to be working very well..
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Old 28-02-2014, 19:40
noise747
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because of the name? how strange.
No, not because of the name change at all. i did not even know the app existed, even with the old name, but since I don't use Google now, it is of no use to me since it is integrated with Google now, which I avoid
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Old 28-02-2014, 20:16
Gormond
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No, not because of the name change at all. i did not even know the app existed, even with the old name, but since I don't use Google now, it is of no use to me since it is integrated with Google now, which I avoid
You can use the launcher without Google Now.
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Old 01-03-2014, 10:45
noise747
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You can use the launcher without Google Now.
I had a feeling you can use the launcher without google now, but then what is point in changing to it?


I am using Nova launcher, it is pretty good to be honest. I have tried a few and i think Nova launcher is one of the better ones.
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Old 01-03-2014, 11:34
Gormond
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I had a feeling you can use the launcher without google now, but then what is point in changing to it?


I am using Nova launcher, it is pretty good to be honest. I have tried a few and i think Nova launcher is one of the better ones.
I like the voice commands "ok google" for setting my alarm at night, I also like the way you can see your wallpaper while in the app drawer and through the home buttons and top bar.

I used to use Nova Launcher, mainly so I could remove and add screens as I need them but that is also possible in GEL.
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Old 01-03-2014, 17:41
Voynich
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Yes I have it on my 2012 Nexus 7. The 'okay Google' thing is a bit hit and miss with me but that is probably due to my accent. Swiping to the left gives updates on web pages I've looked at now.
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Old 01-03-2014, 19:08
flagpole
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I've found the voice recognition pretty reliable.

Try taking like me.
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Old 01-03-2014, 19:59
Mick Jones
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The 'okay Google' thing is a bit hit and miss with me
I asked about the possibility of rain, and was answered with times for the train.
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Old 01-03-2014, 20:05
LostFool
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I've found the voice recognition pretty reliable.

Try taking like me.
I've found it pretty good for searching. But asking to play any music is very hit and miss.
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Old 01-03-2014, 21:37
Gormond
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I've found it pretty good for searching. But asking to play any music is very hit and miss.
I'm the same, setting my alarm works great, playing Billy Joel does not!
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Old 01-03-2014, 21:40
noise747
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I like the voice commands "ok google" for setting my alarm at night, I also like the way you can see your wallpaper while in the app drawer and through the home buttons and top bar.

I used to use Nova Launcher, mainly so I could remove and add screens as I need them but that is also possible in GEL.
Fair enough. I will stay as I am i think.
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Old 01-03-2014, 21:42
noise747
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Yes I have it on my 2012 Nexus 7. The 'okay Google' thing is a bit hit and miss with me but that is probably due to my accent. Swiping to the left gives updates on web pages I've looked at now.
But you do the ok google thing without the launcher, you just go to the search screen, it seems to workish, sometimes it gets confused.
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Old 02-03-2014, 10:17
flagpole
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I've found it pretty good for searching. But asking to play any music is very hit and miss.
is there a guide anywhere of exactly what it can do?
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Old 02-03-2014, 10:39
Magic Cottage
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is there a guide anywhere of exactly what it can do?
Here is a fairly good guide but not completely exhaustive. I can get Now to do all sorts on my Nexus 5. Such fun!
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Old 02-03-2014, 10:48
flagpole
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Here is a fairly good guide but not completely exhaustive. I can get Now to do all sorts on my Nexus 5. Such fun!
interesting thanks.

i think one of the wrinkles is the way google handles apps that can carry out basic actions. so if i ask it to play a song it waits whilst i decide if i want spotify or google music to play it. if i tell it to make a call i have to decide if i want skype or the phone to make it.

once you get all that set up it's grand.
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Old 02-03-2014, 10:52
Magic Cottage
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interesting thanks.

i think one of the wrinkles is the way google handles apps that can carry out basic actions. so if i ask it to play a song it waits whilst i decide if i want spotify or google music to play it. if i tell it to make a call i have to decide if i want skype or the phone to make it.

once you get all that set up it's grand.
Yes, the only problem I find with it, is if I try to get it to call someone while I'm in the car. You can always guarantee I'll hit a no signal spot as I say it, so it then just doesn't work!
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Old 02-03-2014, 12:07
LostFool
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But you do the ok google thing without the launcher, you just go to the search screen, it seems to workish, sometimes it gets confused.
It's still very early days for voice control. The technology has come a long way in recent years but it still has far to go before it becomes fully reliable.
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Old 02-03-2014, 13:04
Mikdyer252
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I like it on my Nexus 10.

It looks much nicer with the wallpaper behind the icons, although it took a moment or two to discover how to add extra home screens.
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Old 02-03-2014, 21:45
paulbrock
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Yes I have it on my 2012 Nexus 7. The 'okay Google' thing is a bit hit and miss with me but that is probably due to my accent. Swiping to the left gives updates on web pages I've looked at now.
I found it a bit slow on my nexus 7 (2012). Still not really sure what it offers over swiping up!

getting webpage updates too now, very handy, and 'research topics' work in the uk now!
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