The rumors of the Google Nexus 2016's status as being dead are now all but confirmed. The Google Pixel's launcher was leaked recently, acting as hard proof that Google is indeed moving on from the Nexus line and re-branding it.
The most recent, and possibly biggest, leak so far in relation to the Google Nexus 2016 is the launcher for its Google Pixel successor which is now reportedly available for download from unofficial sources according to BGR. If leaked information is legitimate, with signs strongly indicating it is, then the Google Nexus 2016 might really never see the light of day.
Prominent ROM developer and leaker LlabTooFer shared on its Twitter account a series of posts detailing the specs of the new Pixel Launcher. LlabTooFer shared some screenshots of what might very well be the Pixel Launcher in the works, showing the android progenitor's plans for the software of the rumored replacement to the Google Nexus 2016.
The screenshots show the launcher's section on the Android apps menu, showing that the launcher has indeed been renamed the Pixel Launcher from the Nexus Launcher which is hard proof that the Pixel will indeed replace the Google Nexus 2016. Looking at the Pixel Launcher's home screen shows what LlabTooFer referred to as more of a "minimalistic style," with less clutter like the gigantic Google search bar now automatically hidden and replaced with a swipe button with the company's "G" icon.
Another marked difference is the fact that accessing the main apps window has now been changed; instead of pressing a key that will lead to the window where users can access and customize their apps as present in previous Android and Nexus software and probably in the Google Nexus 2016, the Pixel Launcher's interface now allows users to simply swipe up from the home screen's bottom section usually reserved for placing the most used apps.
The Pixel Launcher now also features a much more refined convenience setting, maybe even more refined from what could have been present in the Google Nexus 2016. Whereas before users had to go through several steps to access their phone's Settings, the Pixel Launcher will only require users to press and hold anywhere on the home screen.
Likely due to the fact that the leaked version of the Pixel Launcher is unofficial, in addition to being a new software compared to what the Google Nexus 2016 might have had, it still has some glitches like requiring users to install the WallPaperPickerGooglePrebuilt app to prevent the Pixel Launcher from crashing while changing wallpapers.
All in all, this leaked Pixel Launcher is another nail in the coffin for what could have been the Google Nexus 2016. As for the launch of the Google Pixel, rumors indicate that it will release to the market some time in October.
