New Pixel 2 XL Owner - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Hello all....
I just switched to the Pixel 2 XL from being with Motorola Phones for the last 18 years.
It was a welcomed change but a different experience for sure.
Since getting my Pixel I have made the following changes:
Downloaded:
Nove Launcher Prime - Changing the Home Screen, Dock and Drawer
Pixelation Icon Pack - I just wanted a few more options from stock
Motorola Command Center Weather Widget - Well because I like it
Zooper Widgets - To add the date to my home screen
I really like the Pixel Launcher that came with the phone but the Google Search Bar was driving me crazy so that's what lead me to XDA. Looking for workarounds on moving this bar.
I was also looking at possibly downloading the Android P Beta 3 but was not sure if that would be over my head or not.
So for I am really liking this Phone. Really wanted to wait until the Pixel 3 XL came out but had to make a move so hear I am.
Any feedback or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
There is a ton of info on here it just gets crazy trying to jump all over looking for answers.
Thanks for taking a look and have a good day,
Rodney

Welcome to the party. If you are wanting to try Android P, I would start by reading here
https://developer.android.com/preview/download

Nova launcher will remove the Google search bar it's part of the launcher I use to really like it until Oreo came out then I prefer Google's launcher
This may not be true but I prefer to stay stock in sense of launchers and skins because otherwise I feel it's a little bloaty and feels like the phone slows down a bit more then other apps I own.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

gjkrisa said:
Nova launcher will remove the Google search bar it's part of the launcher I use to really like it until Oreo came out then I prefer Google's launcher
This may not be true but I prefer to stay stock in sense of launchers and skins because otherwise I feel it's a little bloaty and feels like the phone slows down a bit more then other apps I own.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep feel the same way.... I just had to move that search bar it was driving me bonkers....

Thanks... Will take at look at it now...

Nova ftw. I have never even tried Oreos launcher, so I wouldn't know how it is.

mac796 said:
Nova ftw. I have never even tried Oreos launcher, so I wouldn't know how it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock Pixel launcher was really nice just wouldn't let me remove the search bar.
I am really liking Nova it allows you customize every aspect of the phone.

Rodney_1218 said:
The stock Pixel launcher was really nice just wouldn't let me remove the search bar.
I am really liking Nova it allows you customize every aspect of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I love it and you can backup your settings to Google Drive so you never have to worry about setting it up again.

mac796 said:
Yeah I love it and you can backup your settings to Google Drive so you never have to worry about setting it up again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I backed mine up then went back to stock to see which one I preferred. Nova won!!!! :good::good::good:

Since you're new to Nova:
https://www.androidauthority.com/nova-launcher-885296/
Personally I'm waiting for the little Android P quirks to get fixed but before that, I've been a Nova Launcher user for a several years now. Great stock look and feel yet extras that don't make it a bulky launcher.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

EeZeEpEe said:
Since you're new to Nova:
Personally I'm waiting for the little Android P quirks to get fixed but before that, I've been a Nova Launcher user for a several years now. Great stock look and feel yet extras that don't make it a bulky launcher.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really seems like a stock launcher... Super quick and smooth...
Thanks for the link I will go check it out now

EeZeEpEe said:
Since you're new to Nova:
Personally I'm waiting for the little Android P quirks to get fixed but before that, I've been a Nova Launcher user for a several years now. Great stock look and feel yet extras that don't make it a bulky launcher.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you found a way to add the flashlight to a gesture?

I never set a Nova gesture to do that. I usually just do the flash light with the lockscreen on, swipe down the quick settings, and tap the flashlight.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

EeZeEpEe said:
I never set a Nova gesture to do that. I usually just do the flash light with the lockscreen on, swipe down the quick settings, and tap the flashlight.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea that works.... Quick
Thanks

I like ROMs for that because they usually have hold power to turn on flashlight Wich is my favorite way to turn it on with one hand
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Rodney_1218 said:
Hello all....
I just switched to the Pixel 2 XL from being with Motorola Phones for the last 18 years.
It was a welcomed change but a different experience for sure.
Since getting my Pixel I have made the following changes:
Downloaded:
Nove Launcher Prime - Changing the Home Screen, Dock and Drawer
Pixelation Icon Pack - I just wanted a few more options from stock
Motorola Command Center Weather Widget - Well because I like it
Zooper Widgets - To add the date to my home screen
I really like the Pixel Launcher that came with the phone but the Google Search Bar was driving me crazy so that's what lead me to XDA. Looking for workarounds on moving this bar.
I was also looking at possibly downloading the Android P Beta 3 but was not sure if that would be over my head or not.
So for I am really liking this Phone. Really wanted to wait until the Pixel 3 XL came out but had to make a move so hear I am.
Any feedback or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
There is a ton of info on here it just gets crazy trying to jump all over looking for answers.
Thanks for taking a look and have a good day,
Rodney
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the party! Obviously there are alternate launchers but if you like the functionality of the pixel launcher try 'LawnChair' it's currently in alpha but from what I've heard it's pretty stable.
https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&s=lawnchair
XDA is the right place to be if you're looking to customize, There's also 'rootless pixel launcher' if you're looking for similar customization https://www.xda-developers.com/rootless-pixel-launcher-3-4-released-large-tablet-support/

tarroyo said:
Welcome to the party! Obviously there are alternate launchers but if you like the functionality of the pixel launcher try 'LawnChair' it's currently in alpha but from what I've heard it's pretty stable.
https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&s=lawnchair
XDA is the right place to be if you're looking to customize, There's also 'rootless pixel launcher' if you're looking for similar customization https://www.xda-developers.com/rootless-pixel-launcher-3-4-released-large-tablet-support/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Sir... Will sure look into these

Welcome aboard and enjoy your new toy on XDA!

galaxys said:
Welcome aboard and enjoy your new toy on XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You.... So far so good!!!!! :good::good::good::good:

Related

Launcher

I like the new launcher in Pixel but i dont like that it cant be made transparent instead of the big bar going across the bottom of the screen, is there any way to get rid of this?
Not that I know of...maybe once it is modded by someone.
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA-Developers mobile app
Agreed I usually use nova but liked it a lot. The swipe up I have been using for a while. But I agree the big bar is awful. You loose the app shortcut long press if you use nova
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
I have been using Nova for a while now. Their last update included many android 7.0+ features. Look into it.
I have always used nova on phones like samsung and htc but i like the google launcher and want to stick with it, the bar is just to big, i would love to see a mod to see it removed or at leat toned down a lot !

Not liking the new Google app circular icons.................

Anyone else not a big fan of the boring circular google icons on the Pixel?
How can I go back to the Marshmallow icons instead? I've searched the GPS and just find icons that you have to use with specific launchers. I don't want to change the stock Pixel launcher as I've grown to like it. Used to be a die hard Nova prime user on my Nexus 6.
Any recommendations for just swapping out the Google application icons to Marshmallow?
The Nova Launcher (Beta) can Be Configured To ExactLy Mimic The Pixel. Launcher Now.
Mdizzle1 said:
The Nova Launcher (Beta) can Be Configured To ExactLy Mimic The Pixel. Launcher Now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that include the Google Now cards by swiping left at the last screen on the left?
CayenneGTS said:
Does that include the Google Now cards by swiping left at the last screen on the left?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure you can add a full page Google now widget
Mdizzle1 said:
Pretty sure you can add a full page Google now widget
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it - it not quite the same thing. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'll have to figure out a different way to replace the ugly icons.

Fit more icons on home screen or dock

Does anyone know if it's possible to fit more icons on the Pixel XL home screen or on the dock. Changing dpi doesn't do it for me, nor does changing the font size
Thanks
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Use a different launcher like nova. There you can change the grid and the dock.
ih8un said:
Does anyone know if it's possible to fit more icons on the Pixel XL home screen or on the dock. Changing dpi doesn't do it for me, nor does changing the font size
Thanks
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How many do you want? Any more than 4 + the app drawer is too many for me anyway.
neverstopdroiding said:
How many do you want? Any more than 4 + the app drawer is too many for me anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least 5 on the home screen, and 6 on the dock. I want to avoid using another launcher, I quite like the flow of the Pixel launcher
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
ih8un said:
At least 5 on the home screen, and 6 on the dock. I want to avoid using another launcher, I quite like the flow of the Pixel launcher
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, but I think you're out of options. Nothing's as intuitive as Nova for me anyway and the ton of custom options are always nice.
ih8un said:
Does anyone know if it's possible to fit more icons on the Pixel XL home screen or on the dock. Changing dpi doesn't do it for me, nor does changing the font size
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's weeks. Changing the dpi allows me to have more icons on my home screen with pixel launcher. I'm on stock system with some of my own mods. See picture below. I didn't change anything with the launcher. Only the dpi.
toknitup420 said:
That's weeks. Changing the dpi allows me to have more icons on my home screen with pixel launcher. I'm on stock system with some of my own mods. See picture below. I didn't change anything with the launcher. Only the dpi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried changing it 700 and still couldn't get it done. Even if it worked it'll come at an expense of smaller fonts and requires a magnifying glass.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
neverstopdroiding said:
Fair enough, but I think you're out of options. Nothing's as intuitive as Nova for me anyway and the ton of custom options are always nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I gave nova a go, [emoji106] it's very simmialr to pixel launcher and gave me exactly what I need and with more options. Not sure why I was against the idea in the first place. Change is good [emoji1]
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
ih8un said:
I tried changing it 700 and still couldn't get it done. Even if it worked it'll come at an expense of smaller fonts and requires a magnifying glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong direction with the numbers lol. That's why it won't work for you. You need to change you're dpi to something like 493 or 500. That will get you the desired effect. You can also go into display setting and pick the smallest screen size option and that will lower the dpi to roughly 500.
Wallpaper
Where did you find a that wallpaper? It's so good.
This is a message to ih8un... I need your help please contact me via your whirpool account. I have sent you some messages and need information regarding you NCAT against Samsung, I am in the same boat.

(question) Nova Launcher At a Glance Widget

Hey guys,
Does anyone know how to get the new Pixel XL 2 at a glance widget on Nova Launcher? I have no idea if it's supported or I have to wait for an update or something, just haven't seen anything on it. I tried installing Nova Launcher and it's not there.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hey guys,
Does anyone know how to get the new Pixel XL 2 at a glance widget on Nova Launcher? I have no idea if it's supported or I have to wait for an update or something, just haven't seen anything on it. I tried installing Nova Launcher and it's not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could've sworn I saw a setting for this in the Display settings but I'd have to go back and look. Have you tried enabling this while using Nova as the primary launcher? It may not be possible and requires you using the Pixel Launder and Nova will need to add that feature.
blazinazn said:
I could've sworn I saw a setting for this in the Display settings but I'd have to go back and look. Have you tried enabling this while using Nova as the primary launcher? It may not be possible and requires you using the Pixel Launder and Nova will need to add that feature.
---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------
I could've sworn there was a toggle in the Display settings. I'd have to go back and look. Have you tried enabling that while using Nova Launcher. It might be that you need to use the Pixel Launcher in order for this feature to work and Nova would just need to add this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see it... I want to use Nova but I love that clean widget
mdonnelly1127 said:
I didn't see it... I want to use Nova but I love that clean widget
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3233291/android/google-pixel-2-tips-and-tricks.html
Check out this article. Do you see that setting?
blazinazn said:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3233291/android/google-pixel-2-tips-and-tricks.html
Check out this article. Do you see that setting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I do just not with Nova launcher enabled
Zooper widgets + Trident 3 pack can give you that.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hey guys,
Does anyone know how to get the new Pixel XL 2 at a glance widget on Nova Launcher? I have no idea if it's supported or I have to wait for an update or something, just haven't seen anything on it. I tried installing Nova Launcher and it's not there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just made the At A Glance widget for KWGT app. It's free and should work on any device/launcher. It isn't really tested it on any other device than mine, so I'd be glad if anyone tried it out. See the thread I just started: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/themes/kwgt-glance-kwgt-t3694513
I believe this should give you what you are looking for. Updated regularly.
The existing version of Google app has a beta widget for "At a glance".
Nice. Don't think I've seen or heard about this.
Dirrtydog said:
The existing version of Google app has a beta widget for "At a glance".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
@EeZeEpEe: It was rather low key news, but it was mentioned on the XDA portal, along with a download link to the beta Google app that housed it. It graduated and now is in the release version. It makes me happy too: not only is it one less app I have to install (Another Widget), but Another Widget has issues displaying weather correctly.
Yeah another widget did okay but I noticed the weather was off too. Would say one temperature and tapping it I would get a different one.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@EeZeEpEe: It was rather low key news, but it was mentioned on the XDA portal, along with a download link to the beta Google app that housed it. It graduated and now is in the release version. It makes me happy too: not only is it one less app I have to install (Another Widget), but Another Widget has issues displaying weather correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Sorry to ressurect an old thread but did anyone find out how to change the options for the at a glance widget?
The widget is available in 3rd party launchers but I can't for the life of me find any way to adjust what it shows.
Any help greatfully appreciated
ZoomahZoomah said:
Sorry to ressurect an old thread but did anyone find out how to change the options for the at a glance widget?
The widget is available in 3rd party launchers but I can't for the life of me find any way to adjust what it shows.
Any help greatfully appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no options for the widget.

Pixel 2 xl white washout on the bottom of the launcher with a light wallpaper

Right I've spoke about this before when using anything other than a dark wallpaper the xl is a complete mess at the bottom of the launcher, it's a washed out white, while I've been told it's the oreo software or Google's launcher, can anyone explain why this does not happen on my partner's standard pixel 2 with the exact same wallpaper !? It's frustrating that the cheaper model does not exhibit this ****ty behaviour yet the xl does, without changing the launcher is there any of fix without rooting ? Feel like sending it back because of this alone, if it doesn't do it on the 5" why does it do it on the xl ?
I think it's a launcher issue it's almost like the launcher is treating it as a white background not dark, i get same issue and the app draw is white... As well as the Google home page, only if I use a Google supplied dark wallpaper does it work correctly, hopefully gets fixed in an update...
wakers said:
I think it's a launcher issue it's almost like the launcher is treating it as a white background not dark, i get same issue and the app draw is white... As well as the Google home page, only if I use a Google supplied dark wallpaper does it work correctly, hopefully gets fixed in an update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's been a few updates now i don't think it's going to get fixed, what i can't understand is why is it fine on my partner's pixel 2 5"
I have a pixel 2 which is my work phone and it suffers the same issue, so that's proper weird...
My nokia 8 oreo has same issue. It's annoying when using dark wallpapers and looks like cheap display panel.
Just install Nova launcher and be done with the pixel launcher....the white washout is a "feature" of pixel launcher....and it's ugly.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
If you're rooted, you can try one of my modded launchers here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/mod-pixel-2-xl-launcher-mods-8-1-0-dp1-t3701939
All of them have that white bottom shade on the home screen removed.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs
sharkie405 said:
If you're rooted, you can try one of my modded launchers here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/mod-pixel-2-xl-launcher-mods-8-1-0-dp1-t3701939
All of them have that white bottom shade on the home screen removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just grab the modded launcher APK.
Reuben_skelz92 said:
Just grab the modded launcher APK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing is you have to be rooted to install this apk on a Pixel.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Triscuit said:
Just install Nova launcher and be done with the pixel launcher....the white washout is a "feature" of pixel launcher....and it's ugly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, Nova Launcher works best and you can set it up to resemble the Pixel launcher in every way.

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