Google introduced the new launcher when the Nexus 5 launched with Android 4.4 KitKat. In February, Google finally made available Google Now Launcher to Google Play for only Nexus and Google Play Experience devices.
As ZTE officially announced that their new devices comes pre-installed with Google Now Launcher, signaling that the launcher would finally be making its way to even more devices. Now a new update is rolling out to the Google Now Launcher app that finally made available to any device running Android 4.1 and higher.
Here’s a video showing off the launcher in action
Key Features of Google Now Launcher
- Google Now on your home screen – it’s easier than ever to get just the right information at just the right time.
- Just say “Ok Google” – when you’re on your home screen, just say “Ok Google” to trigger voice input. Then say your search query. Or tell your phone what to do, like send a text message, get directions, or play a song.
- Faster search – tap the search box and you can enter your query immediately.
- Easy access to your favorite Google products and services, like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
- Larger viewing area – the status and navigation bars are now translucent, so your wallpaper pops from every pixel, and is even visible when you expand your apps drawer (when supported by device).
- Intuitive wallpaper picker – select any image that’s stored on your device, or in the cloud. Position and preview your wallpaper before you set it.
The Google Now Launcher is good as it’s made by Google but may some of the features of your phone may not work correctly, like I tried it on my LG G2, everything works fine except tap to lock function.
Download Google Now Launcher right now from Google Play and enjoy the new experience in your Android devices running 4.1 and up.