Pixel users will soon be able to customize their phone
When we updated our Google Pixel 2 XL to Android 10 earlier in the week, we noticed something new in the settings menu. Next to what appeared to be an icon of a paintbrush were the words, "Customize your Pixel." And underneath the heading, it said, "Try different styles, wallpapers, clocks and more." However, when we tapped on the listing we were sent to the Wallpapers page. There were no clocks to select or any different themes.
Tapping on this listing only allows you to change your wallpaper...for now
However, it appears that XDA has found what will be a new app called "ThemePicker," which on Pixel models will probably be known as Pixel Themes. The hidden app was discovered by XDA Recognized Contributor MSF Jarvis. Apparently, once the app is installed, it will appear as "Styles & wallpapers" in the app drawer.
Strings of code reveal that users will be able to customize the clock face on the phone's lock screen/ambient display, customize the wallpaper on the lock screen and home screen, and change the grid size for the Pixel Launcher. A link found by XDA Recognized Developer luca020400 led to a Google Photos album which contained several screenshots; one of these images revealed how the home screen can be set up with icons in a 3 x 3, 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 format. It also appears that there will be three pre-installed themes offered by the app:
- Crayon: Purple accents, Arbutus fonts with Circular/Teardrop icons.
- Collage: Green accents, Arvo and Lato font with Filled icons.
- Ash: Black accents, Rubik font with Rounded/Squircle icons.
The screenshots also show four different clock choices including a default clock with digital numbers, a Bubble clock, a Stretch clock and a clock that posts the time using text.
Clock themes Digital, Text, Bubble and Stretch
Since the app has yet to appear, Google could be holding back to unveil this when it holds the next Made by Google event next month. And even then, the Pixel Themes app could debut on the Pixel 4 with updates for older Pixel models to arrive before the end of the year.
Images from the Pixel Themes app that could launch on the Pixel 4
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