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Google Pixel Launcher Revives Keyboard Shortcut for Apps

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Google’s Pixel Launcher reintroduces a keyboard shortcut to launch apps by typing the first letter.
The feature existed before Android 13 QPR1 (Dec 2022) and is widely available by January 2026.
Users activate it by pressing Enter in Gboard, avoiding top-screen navigation.
If not visible, a restart may enable it on Android 16 QPR2 and QPR3 Beta.
The update ties into AI Mode to improve the user experience.

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Story summary

Google’s Pixel Launcher reintroduces a keyboard shortcut to launch apps by typing the first letter.
The feature existed before Android 13 QPR1 (Dec 2022) and is widely available by January 2026.
Users activate it by pressing Enter in Gboard, avoiding top-screen navigation.
If not visible, a restart may enable it on Android 16 QPR2 and QPR3 Beta.
The update ties into AI Mode to improve the user experience.