What are they and can I get rid of them? [Android]

[skeedo]

I picked up a TF300T the other day and it's nice, but I'm a bit behind with the times when it comes to Android OS versions so trying to catch up. What really annoys me in the pic below are the 'rectangular guides' on the left and right that appear when you swipe. What are these actually called and can they be removed? I'm guessing they're there to indicate that I can swipe that way, but I don't see what purpose they would serve unless it was your first time ever using a touch screen.

 

[ChronoReverse]

It's just a transition effect. The stock launcher can't turn them off but if it bothers you that much, you can just install Nova Launcher or something which will replace the stock launcher and let you change the transition animation.

 

[shortylickens]

I like my Note 2. No extra garbage on the interface but it does look nice.

 

[vshah]

yup, get nova launcher.