New Google Play Launcher
The new "Google Now Launcher" (formerly referred to as Google Experience Launcher, or GEL) that just popped up in the Play Store resolves many of the minor UI glitches and the whole launcher transitions, as well as Google Now integration, are so much smoother.
If you have GEL installed, check the Play Store for the update.
Otherwise, here's the link to the app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.launcher
Edit:
Looks like it only lets you download if you've already side-loaded GEL previously. If you don't have GEL on your device, Play Store will say your device isn't supported. Here's the fix:
Here is a link to direct download the
Google Now Launcher apk (ver. 1.0.9.1039417). Download and sideload and then you should be good to go, and should be able to get future updates direct from Play Store. (Make sure your Google Search is up-to-date before side-loading it. I have ver. 3.2.17.1009776 as of tonight.)