Google on Friday updated its once Nexus-exclusive Google Now Launcher app bringing to any device running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or later.
The Google Now Launcher app, which was released back in February by the search engine giant, was till date available for download only on its Nexus line and Google Play Edition devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat).
As a part of the update, the Google Now Launcher will now be compatible with a wide range of Android devices including the HTC One (M8), One (E8), One mini 2, HTC Desire 816, Huawei Ascend P7, LG G3 and the Samsung Galaxy S5.
The Google Now Launcher combines the Google Now search as well as the assistant functionality. Previously popular as Google Home or the Google Experience Launcher, the launcher allows Google to update users’ home screen without the need of any new Android version. It lets user access Google Now cards and notifications directly from the home screen by just swiping from the left side of the screen.
Users will now be able to prompt voice search using the “OK Google” command and initiate the search directly from the home screen without tapping the microphone icon in the Google Search widget.
Faster search, quick and easy access to Gmail, YouTube, and Maps, oversized icons and intuitive wallpaper picker are some of the other features coming with the new launcher app.
Users can download the new Google Now Launcher now from the Google Play Store.
