Less than a month ago, Google swapped the Pixel Launcher’s built-in search with Google Search on the home screen. The latter is not as powerful, as it cannot search through your installed apps, contacts, and shortcuts. While the company is not reverting the change, it is making a small but handy tweak to Pixel Launcher’s search.
When you swipe up to access the Pixel Launcher’s app drawer, the keyboard appears instantly (if you have the option turned on). Start typing and simply press Enter to launch the highlighted app. If there are multiple apps, Pixel Launcher opens the first suggested app by default.
This was not the case previously, as pressing enter would trigger a web search instead.
Google appears to be rolling out this change in stages through the latest Google Play Services update, and it will seemingly be available on all Pixel devices, going all the way back to the Pixel 6a. The quick launch functionality is already live on my Pixel 8 Pro running Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.
This tiny tweak ensures you can search and launch an app without taking your fingers off the keyboard. It improves one-handed usability and reduces friction in launching apps. Several popular third-party Android launchers like Niagara and Lawnchair have offered a similar keyboard-first approach for their search tool for years.
Google was first spotted working on the Pixel Launcher’s quick launch behavior back in 2023 with Android 13 QPR2. However, it never released the feature to the public.
One step back in the right direction
Given the major functionality regression that Google made to the Pixel Launcher’s search experience on the home screen by replacing it with Google Search, the addition of quick launch feels like a small but important course correction.
Yes, having access to unified device search right on the home screen would have been the best. But quick launch at least helps restore some of that speed and efficiency. And if Pixel Launcher’s search still doesn’t cut it for you, Pixel Search remains an excellent alternative, giving you fast, direct access to a proper unified search experience.
