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Xperia Home Launcher gets Google Now panel in latest beta

The latest version of Xperia Home beta has gone and got itself a Google Now panel, just like the Google Now Launcher.
By
June 30, 2016
xperia google now

Despite the lack of customization that comes with the Google Now Launcher, it still remains one of the most popular Android launchers. That’s mostly down to the Google Now integration that is available with a swipe from the left on the home screen, giving you quick access to all your cards. No other launcher has baked this direct integration in, until now.

The latest version of Xperia Home beta has gone and got itself a Google Now panel, just like the Google Now Launcher.

Here’s what Sony lists in the new version of Xperia Home, via Android Police:

  • After listening to Beta feedback, search bar in application tray is now transparent.
  • Added notification badge support for Facebook & Facebook messenger.
  • Fixed legacy support for notification badges on Kitkat and Lollipop for Xperia Messaging, Telephony & Email.
  • It is now possible to add Google Now on the -1 pane (enabled from Home Settings).
  • Bug fixes and tweaks

To get the new Xperia Home Launcher you’ll need to sign up for the beta on a recent Xperia device.

Sony’s launcher works exactly as the Google Now Launcher does. You’ll find the main screen moved to the left and the usual cards we all know and love placed to the left for quick access.

It’s unclear if Sony has a special partnership with Google in order to get this functionality into its launcher, while other third-party developers have been unable to include it.

Read next: Everything you can do with Google Now voice commands

If you’ve got an Xperia device, it’s certainly worth checking out. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Here’s hoping that more third-party developers follow suit. I’m looking at you Nova!