Along with KitKat and the Nexus 5, Google introduced a new launcher that offers an “OK, Google” hotword detection right on the homescreen, allowing you to start queries without having to launch Google Now. Then, earlier this year, the Google Now Launcher was made available on the Play Store to extend availability to more Nexus and GPe devices. Now, more third-party launchers are adding the feature, officially or through hacks, for the best blend of personalization options and Google features.
First on the list is Nova Launcher. It is one of the most popular third-party launchers on Android, with a stock-like look and dozens of options to satisfy the most eager personalization freak among us. In its version 3.0 released a few days ago, Nova added the “OK, Google” hotword detection, though the developer warns that it is limited to devices on Jelly Bean and with a compatible locale approved by Google. Your best bet is to download the free trial and see if it works for you. Second is Action Launcher, with the 2.1 beta — that you can access by joining the app’s Google+ community and following these steps — adding “OK, Google” hotword detection. Action Launcher is another launcher geared toward customization, albeit with a few unique features that differentiate it from its competition, including Covers, Shutters, the Quickdrawer and the Quickpage, all of which help you access more functionality without cluttering your homescreen. And if you don’t use Action or Nova, then you should also remember that you can add the “OK, Google” hotword detection to any launcher by using this Xposed module on a rooted Android device. I hope that my favorite launcher, Aviate, officially adds this function soon. There’s also the fact that it will come to Android Wear soon, so I may start saying “OK, Google” to my wrist more frequently than my phone.
