AndroidLauncher
Latest
Microsoft's working on an Android launcher of its own
Microsoft hasn't been shy to create miscellaneous software for Android. In the past, the company's released a smart lock screen and even made a keyboard designed to be used with Excel. Now Microsoft is working on its own Android launcher, currently dubbed Arrow Launcher Beta. As the name reveals, this is an early version of the product, and you can only get access to it by signing up for an invite to the testing program. So how does it work? The Arrow Launcher is sleek and straightforward, offering a quick view of three main pages: People, Apps and Notes & Reminders. Those pages, according to Microsoft News, can't be removed or have others added to them -- likely to keep things concise. You can give it a try by downloading the APK, but you'll need to request a proper invite to receive updates after the install.
Apex Launcher 2.0 hits Google Play, puts notifications on app icons (Updated)
Apex can honestly claim to be one of the more popular launchers on Android, with over a million installs and 44,000 ratings over at Google Play. The stock-like skin has just been updated to version 2.0, with the biggest addition being support for Apex Notifier. This feature enables better control over iOS-style notifications on individual app icons, but you'll have to fork over $3.99 for Apex Launcher Pro to make it work. In the proper spirit of Android, however, you'll also get to pick which apps get notifications and which don't, from a list that includes Phone, SMS Messages, Gmail and many others. If you're getting bored with the stock launcher or just want to hide the cartoonish visage of TouchWiz, hit up the source link to download Apex for yourself. Update: We amended the post to clarify that version 2.0 brings better control over icon-based notifications, which the Pro version of Apex actually already supported.
Action Launcher Pro version 1.5 puts Android widgets just a swipe away (video)
Android launchers cross our desks every so often but only a handful catch our eye. Action Launcher Pro is the latest to strike our fancy thanks to its quick and compact widget solution dubbed Shutters. With the freshly added feature, users can open up widgets by simply giving app icons a vertical swipe. Version 1.5 also packs a number of improvements, including support for 10-inch tablets and increased stability. Devices running Android 4.0.3 or newer will be able to take the launcher for a spin, but Shutters is a Jelly Bean-only affair thanks to API limitations. Head past the break to catch the software in action, or click the second source link to pick it up for $3.99.
Chameleon Android launcher hits version 1.1, adds support for native widgets
It's not every day that we cover launchers of any kind, but when we heard the Kickstarter-funded Chameleon had been updated to version 1.1, we thought those of you who have supported the project since its early days would be happy to hear the news. And while the refresh itself doesn't bring many changes, it does include the long-awaited support for stock Android widgets -- not to mention a few welcomed improvements to the current Twitter, Google Calendar and YouTube homescreen-living apparatuses. Naturally, these will go hand to hand with those tweaks announced less than a month ago in version 1.0 of the tablet launcher. There's a video courtesy of Chameleon situated down below -- in case you're interested in seeing what all the fuss is about before you download the Android commodities.
GO Launcher comes to Android tabs, frees you from fixed grid tyranny
Got an Android tab and don't like its government manufacturer-issue UI? Then why not join the ranks of the launcher rebel alliance. GO Launcher EX for phones has been around for a while, but now it's been upscaled for Honeycomb 3.0+ slates under the GO HD moniker. It's only a beta release, and with that comes the normal caveats on functionality -- such as a lack of fancy transitions -- but you can still make other tweaks to your tab's interface, such as alter the grid size and customize your dock. Ready to cross enemy lines? Then launch your browser toward the source for the download.
Nova Launcher hits Android Market, custom grid and scrolling effects in tow
We know how much you love tweaking that Android handset, so we figured we'd let you know about a fresh 4.0-friendly UI customizer. The Nova Launcher, which has dubbed itself "everyone's favorite Ice Cream Sandwich launcher," just hit the Android Market in free and paid flavors. Those looking to take the freeloadin' road will get tidbits like a customizable homescreen grid, scrolling effects (pictured above), as well as custom folders and icons. If you do, however, decide to unleash the four bucks for premium status, you'll get extra features, including personalized gestures and dock "swipe-actions." Tickle your fancy enough to take it for a spin on that shiny new G-Nex? Both variants are up for grabs from the source links below.
Windows Phone Android launcher brings Metro UI's simplicity, but none of its joy
Need to have the latest and greatest, but can't stand the sameness on tap? You can easily spruce up your Android device with some Windows Phone 7 window dressing to impress your fanboy friends. Mind you, the "Windows Phone Android" launcher -- now available in Android Market -- isn't good for more than a practical joke or three, as it's buggy, doesn't run on all phones (our Droid 2 failed, and we're hearing some Galaxy S derivatives aren't supported), doesn't support notifications, and doesn't even have those fancy auto-updating Live Tiles. No, what you're looking at here is just a stack of square icons to launch your apps, and a second pane with a vertically scrolling list of the same. Until some brave soul brings us the real deal, though, this may be as close as you're going to get. [Thanks, marky mark]
