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Creepy Google Invader

HammondX

HammondX

Lurker
Have Moto G (3rg gen) phone running Android 6.0.

Recently a new panel appeared left of the home panel. This is not the usual panel where one can place launcher icons. It is entirely filled with a creepy Google screen.

The top 25% of the screen is blank except for a small 3 bar icon at upper left, and "Google" centered in bottom 25% of that area. Below that area is a white band, about 10% of screen height, with the blue microphone at right side. Remainder of screen is taken up by suggested "news" links.

Something like this happened about a week ago. In desperation, I was able to get rid of it by Settings > apps > Google App > touch three dots at upper right > uninstall all updates.

This morning it came back again. One "home" panel is all I need. It is a major bother to have this Google thing lurking in a left panel, getting opened accidentally. I have nothing to say to the Google microphone, and am interested in NONE of the "news" feeds.

What is the name of this Google Monster? Is there a way to just shut it down, short of uninstalling Google App updates every week?

Thank you. HammondX
 
What launcher are you using? I assume you can't just get rid of it by long-pressing on a widget and removing it, but if it's using one of your homescreens then it must either be a widget from another app (in which case you should be able to get rid of it that way) or else it's a feature of the launcher itself (e.g. the Google Now or Pixel launcher). In that latter case I'd look in the launcher's settings or else change launchers.
 
Thank you. If my understanding of "launcher" is correct (an icon placed on home screen to launch an application, similar in function to shortcut on computer desktop) then there is no launcher involved. I am familiar with adding side panels to the Android home panel when, for example, there is no vacant place on the home panel to add more launch icons. This is different.

This thing creates, unbidden, a left panel (brought into view by a right swipe) which it fully occupies without exception. It cannot be shut down by the usual tactic of press square at lower right of panel (show active applications) and selectively close undesired open apps.

It is possible this creature has resided somnolent in /root since the creation and I awakened it by a misfortunate sequence of touchings. However I have had this phone for well over a year with no such problem previous to last week. I suspect the molestation is an infliction of some recent Google "update."

Sadly, If I but know the name of it, I could search (dare I say "Google") for an exorcism. I turned off, without effect, every soft switch for everything Google that I could locate. Only thing worked was to "remove all updates" while at Settings > Google App.

This wiped all launch icons from the home panel. Minor irritation compared to the presence of the Thing.
 
HammondX said:
Thank you. If my understanding of "launcher" is correct (an icon placed on home screen to launch an application, similar in function to shortcut on computer desktop) then there is no launcher involved.
Click to expand...

That's not quite right. What you describe is a shortcut. The launcher is the complete user interface that controls how your screens behave and are displayed. The additional screens you describe do sound a lot like Google Now. Try Nova and see if that solves your problem. If you don't like it, you can always get rid of it and go back, but I think you won't. ;)
 
lunatic59 said:
That's not quite right. What you describe is a shortcut. The launcher is the complete user interface that controls how your screens behave and are displayed. The additional screens you describe do sound a lot like Google Now. Try Nova and see if that solves your problem. If you don't like it, you can always get rid of it and go back, but I think you won't. ;)
Click to expand...
 
Oooooo. Thanks, Lunatic59. Installed Nova. Best thing since CP/M on a Z80.

I do think the origin of the problem was a Google update. Phone is now offering available update for Google Now and some other Google stuff.

Just like to keep tight control of my data and what is running in my machines. Nice to have browser and email on the phone, but I'd shut off the WiFi if it were the only way to keep Google from horning in where it ain't wanted.

Thanks again. HammondX
 
You should be able to uninstall Google Now Launcher, or at least disable it so you don't get bugged by updates.
 
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