Action Launcher v26 Brings Google Now Integration, Notification Dots, Android O Style Features & More

Action Launcher developer Chris Lacy has released a new update for the popular third party launcher. The update adds a plethora of features including the much awaited swipe to access Google Now functionality. 

Prior to the update only rooted Android users could use Google Now with a swipe by installing Action Launcher as a system app. The Google app allowed the Now pane to be accessed only if the Google app itself was debuggable. This couldn't be achieved without installing the launcher as a system app. With a recent update to the Google app, Google Now could be accessed by a client app if it was debuggable instead of the Google app. To make the client app debuggable, users will have to install the Action Launcher Google Plugin (not available on the Play Store). The plugin isn't available on the Play Store since it makes the client app debuggable. The Action Launcher Google Plugin can be downloaded from here. For installing the plugin you must ensure that 'Unknown sources' is enabled under Settings > Security. No option has to be enabled in the Action Launcher settings after installing the plugin. You would be able to access Google Now with a swipe after installing the plugin.

Nova Launcher's Google Now integration with the help of the Nova Google Companion is based on the same debuggable workaround described above. The Google Now integration (for both Nova & Action) will work in only those Android devices which are running Lollipop or newer.

Android O's notification previews in conjunction with Unread Count

Apart from the Google Now integration, this Action Launcher update also includes various features found in the launcher in Android O developer previews. The Android O style features include:

• Android O style Notification Dots including notification previews.
• Android O style App Shortcuts.
• Android O style animated clock icon and custom widget.
• Android O style widget picker.

Android O's widget picker

The update is available on the Play Store. You can also upgrade manually by installing the APK file of Action Launcher v26 from here.

The complete changelog for the Action Launcher v26 update is as follows:

• NEW: Google Now integration for all! Requires installation of the Action Launcher Google Plugin application.
• NEW: Full Notification Dots support!
• NEW: Long-pressing an shortcut will display a preview of app's notifications and allow notifications to be dismissed ala Android O. Available when using either Notification Dots or Unread Count.
• NEW: Unread Count support extended to all apps that have a current notification.
• NEW: Android O style App Shortcuts panel.
• NEW: Allow granular control as to which apps display Notification Dots/Unread Count.
• NEW: Android O style widget picker, which displays all relevant widgets for a given shortcut.
• NEW: Directly engage Action Launcher's Quickedit panel via a shortcut's long-press popup UI.
• NEW: Dedicated "Icons & App Shortcuts" settings page, which is home to all icon related settings.
• NEW: When Google Pill widget is on the left screen edge and Google Now integration is enabled, display a tinted edge background as per Pixel Launcher.
• NEW: Option to adjust the scale of icon indicators.
• NEW: Revamped interface for selecting the apps that are hidden from app drawers.

Links Summary

Action Launcher Google Play link (APK)

Action Launcher Google Plugin APK

Source: The Blerg

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.