In 2015, Google was reportedly working on two new Nexus phones for 2016. Both phones are made by HTC and purportedly known by the codenames Marlin and Sailfish which may probably feature a new tech design launcher. Google is preparing some essential modifications for the future Nexus devices. But there is no assurance that these new features will be offered on all smartphones and tablets that run on Android 7.0.
This new design of the launcher highlights some minor changes from its predecessors. The tech giant supposedly plans on replacing the original app drawer with a brand new drawer. This means there is no default app assigned to it which leaves the bottom of your home screen with five still icons. However, based on the reports from Android Police, the app drawer was not removed totally but it is just hidden under the 'frosted' glass section.
On the home screen part, the typical Google Search widget has been replaced by a fixed calendar widget on the right side and a 'G' pull-tab on the left side. Tapping this G logo launches search, but pulling it has no effect. It is rumored that the G button will have the features of the Google Assistant in the future and the recently unveiled Assistant may play a big role on this new launcher. They may also present fresh navigation buttons in the new Nexus launcher.
According to Techtimes, it is reportedly suggested that the new Nexus launcher will be offered to Nexus devices running on Android 7.0 Nougat. Google has this habit to release their latest mobile operating system together with a new Nexus device. While there is no confirmation from Google about the upcoming Nexus smartphones, it it is expected that the tech giant will announce the two mobile devices this quarter. These smartphones will be the first to run on Android 7.0 Nougat. And also, it is possible that Google developers may have some further improvements on the launcher as the leaked images do not show the final version of Android 7.0.
