Xposed Framework is a wonderful tool. If you had not had the pleasure of using Xposed then you should really give it a go. You do have to be rooted to use Xposed though and that is the main prerequisite. After this, the framework can offer you a wealth of tweaks, MODS and features to choose from. if you have never heard of Xposed then just to fill you in this is kinda like Google’s Play Store although for the rooted community. The main difference is that you do not install whole apps but instead install fragments of apps known as ‘tweaks’. These allow you to alter apps, features and even system settings. there are issues with such tweaking and you should always be aware that things can go wrong. Although in fairness, from personal experience, have never encountered any issue that could not be recovered from yet.
Now, to the point at hand. One of the modules on offer via Xposed is ‘Xposed GEL Settings’. This feature allows users to alter, hide and adjust various visible elements of the Google Launcher. So for instance you could hide the Google Now bar or adjust the grid size of the home screen. The module has been out for some time although now has received a decent update. The most obvious difference is the module now includes a more Material Design look and feel within the settings. There are also a few bug fixes and changes to the tabs and folders on Search 4.0.
That said, the most interesting new feature is one which we have all probably wanted for some time. Even if you didn’t know you wanted it. With the latest version of Xposed GEL Settings (or XGELS for short) there is a setting which allows hiding of apps that you have on your homescreen in your app drawer. For me, this was a constant annoyance. Now, when you add an app to the home screen it will disappear from your ever-expanding app drawer list and leave the app drawer only showing the apps you do not have on your homescreen. Sweet huh! If you want to give the module a try then it was available via the Play Store although the link does not seem to be working anymore. What’s your problem Google? However, you can install the module directly from your phone if you have the framework installed. Alternatively click here to head over to the desktop Xposed page listing for more information and direct downloading.