Google has some big plans for its next batch of Nexus devices, especially if reports are to be believed. Not only are they rumoured to be going in-house in terms of design and manufacturing, but now Android Police says the company is now taking a look at its software.  

In particular, the homescreen, which is said to be receiving a few interesting changes and improvements. These will take the guise of a new app drawer and launcher, a rejigged Now pane and Search widget. 

As far as the app drawer goes, users will be able to open it by dragging up anywhere on the home screen. This will bring up a secondary screen containing all of a device's loaded applications. The search bar will no longer be distinguished as a rectangle across the homescreen, but rather a tab like widget located on the side of the screen. Furthermore it will remain fixed, and will not be removable. Lastly, the Google Now functionality will built into the homescreen. Much like Flipboard on certain Android devices, dragging from left to right will pull the Now app across the phone's display. 

Whether these changes prove more useful for Nexus device owners remains to be seen. For now, there is no detail on when the new features will roll out or indeed when new Nexus-branded phones will appear.