How to Get the Pixel’s 2 New Google Search Widget in the Dock Using Nova Launcher

There is nothing wrong to say that the Google Pixel 2 would be one of the best smartphones of the year 2017. A lot of people are desperately waiting to use it...

Pearl Sahni

Last updated on October 10, 2017

Pearl Sahni

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The Atlantic Ocean is saltier than the Pacific. Similarly, writing is not what it seems. It’s a hard profession. Not because you have to attract other’s attention but because a writer turns positive thinking into positive words. It was June 2011 when pounding in my heart said to me to be a writer. It happened after a Solo Trip to North India. My journey of writing commenced with this and that, here and there. I wrote for book publishers, journals, newspapers and online blogs. 8 years in this profession including the last 2 with Getdroidtips was an unforgettable journey I enjoyed like the allure of the road. Freedom, compliments, happiness and what not I received as rewards during this itinerary.

There is nothing wrong to say that the Google Pixel 2 would be one of the best smartphones of the year 2017. A lot of people are desperately waiting to use it and probably their can over anytime as Google is all set to make it available in the market. Of course, it can come anytime in the market. One of the best things is, Google always has something new on their devices for their fans. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be having a Google search bar right at the bottom of their screens. Probably, this is one of the best features that these devices will be having.

There is no need for users to reach the top of the screen for searching anything they want. Accessing information will become extremely easy for the users and probably it is one of the best features that smartphones can have. In this post, I will show you how to get the pixel’s 2 new Google search widget in the dock using nova launcher.

It is true that the Pixel Launcher is yet to be announced. However, with the help of Nova Launcher, it is possible for you to recreate the functionality and its look. It must be kept in mind that because it’s not an exact replica, you need to reorganize a few things. Here are some steps that you need to perform to keep up the pace in this matter.

Step 1. Enable the Swipe to open App Drawer.

Step3. Remove the “All Apps” Button

When icons are removed from the dock, next is to remove this button. There is nothing to worry as it’s also easy to do so but slightly different from above step. Simply long press the icon and choose “remove” from the popup menu.

Step 4. Tweak the search widget and move the same to the dock.

In the Pixel 2, the Google search bar comes with a beautiful logo which can be emulated in the Nova launcher simply. For this, simply long press the search widget. You can find it at the top of the home screen. Choose “edit” and tap on the rounded option which you will see under the Bar Style and then “G” logo under the Logo style. Click the check mark once you are done. Next is to long press the widgets on home screen. Remember you have to drag it to the dock where icons were moved in step number second.

Step 5. Remove Page Indicator

I would like to remind you again that this would not going to be the exact replica of Pixel Launcher. So there is something you need to keep in mind. Technically, the icons which are present in the home screen are not in the dock. This clearly indicates that a page indicator will be there in the icons and search bar. You need to remove it. For doing the same, long press any empty space at home screen and simply click on the settings configuration. Select “Desktop” from there and simply scroll down and click “Page Indicator”. A popup message will appear and you need to choose “None” on the same.

Step 6. Adjust the icon padding

You will see a there is a difference in the pacing among the icons and search bar in the dock looks differently. To avoid this issue, open Nova settings again and select “Desktop”. Next is to select “height Padding” and choose the option “Medium” to set it over there.

Step 7. Enable Dock as Overlay

Open Nova Settings and open dock section. Scroll down and click “Advanced” button. After this enable dock as overlay. This will remove most of the gap that is there between the icons and search bar.

Step 8. Adjust Dock Padding

Open Nova Settings again and tap on dock menu. Select “Height Padding” as in above step and tap on “None”. Select “Width Padding” and set the same to medium.

Step 9. Try Your Pixel 2 style launcher

Once done, you can simply enjoy the Pixel style home screen on your device. You can see a search bar at the bottom of your screen and there will be total 5 icons close to it. It’s better to be clear about the fact that technically you have only the search bar in the dock which clearly indicates that when it comes to using the swipe-to-open app drawer gesture, the same would be initiated from the top of the search bar.

You now have one of the amazing Pixel 2 features in your device. I am sure you will like the same up to a good extent. As the steps mentioned above are not very difficult to consider, you can get favorable results for sure. Good Luck!

How to Get the Pixel’s 2 New Google Search Widget in the Dock Using Nova Launcher

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