5 unconventional Android launchers that can make y...

There are numerous the reason why I really like the Android mobile operating system, not least of which being its various collection of launcher purposes. Launchers are a sort of third-party software program that perform as complete house display replacements, with broad compatibility throughout a lot of the Android cellphone and pill ecosystem.

Prior to now, I’ve written about some of my favorite Android launchers of all time — classics like Niagara, Nova, and Lawnchair proceed to supply superior functionalities, customization options, and different niceties typically not discovered on default out-of-box launchers from {hardware} makers.

Nonetheless, there’s a separate collection of extra experimental, novel, and distinctive Android launchers on the market which are much less mainstream, however equally (if no more) attractive. Listed here are 5 such third-party launchers that supply a artistic and wholly unconventional method to the Android house display expertise.

1

Pie Launcher

Ditch the grid structure and embrace radial design

Pie Launcher kicks the tried-and-true grid of icons paradigm to the curb in favor of one thing extra radial. By default, the house display is clear and empty of any and all interface litter. By tapping and holding on any portion of the display, a round pie-style menu of app icons will seem, which will be scrolled round in a sweeping gesture movement.

To entry the app drawer — which homes the remainder of your put in apps — merely faucet wherever on display with out holding down. This setup is slick and extremely intuitive in my expertise, and I respect its one-handed friendliness in today’s world of comically large smartphones. Better of all, Pie Launcher is a free obtain over on the Google Play Retailer.

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2

Yantra Launcher

A dream come true for command line lovers

Yantra is considered one of a number of Android launcher apps that goal to convey the standard PC terminal or command line interface to cellular. In my expertise, Yantra is the slickest and most well-thought-out choice in the marketplace, with a horny design and entry to a big set of instructions with pre-configured prompts.

For a command line launcher, the app is surprisingly approachable, putting instructions close to the underside of the show in a reachable method. After all, for those who dig underneath the floor a bit, you will discover a variety of customization choices and power-user options on supply. Yantra is a wholly free app, and it may be discovered on the Google Play Retailer.

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I switched to the Niagara Android launcher and haven’t looked back

There are tons of superior Android launchers out on the Play Retailer, however I discover Niagara to be far and away the most effective of all of them.

3

ReZ Launcher

The Nokia Z Launcher, reborn for the fashionable age

For a time, Z Launcher was the default home screen experience on Android-based Nokia telephones within the mid 2010s. Now defunct, the launcher featured an adaptive person interface with an enthralling scribble function, letting you draw out a letter to launch any of your put in purposes. Whereas the unique Z Launcher could also be lengthy gone, a third-party developer has gone ahead and created a non secular successor within the type of ReZ Launcher.

ReZ embraces Nokia’s scribble to go looking function, with assist for a wide range of languages and in a variety of written scripts. App options, widgets, media controls, and different commonplace Android house display choices are all applied, making this a stable choice total. ReZ is free to obtain and set up from the Google Play Retailer.

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4

Revo Launcher

Who wants icons when you may have channels?

Revo Launcher presents a house display interface instantly impressed by Nintendo’s 2006-era Wii Menu. Utilizing authentic code to recreate the feel and appear of the Wii’s interface, Revo manages to really feel genuine whereas additionally being optimized for portrait show orientations. Somewhat than purposes being represented on display by icons, every bit of software program is contained inside its personal ‘channel’ — analogous to real-world TV stations.

The actual-world practicality of Revo is questionable when in comparison with a few of the different launchers on this listing, however it’s an excellent nostalgia scratcher (and it really works nice as a devoted emulation app launcher). Revo is fully free and will be readily downloaded from the Google Play Retailer, and so it is value trying out if just for novelty’s sake.

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5

Kvaesitso

Free and open-source, with an emphasis on search

Kvaesitso is a free and open-source Android launcher that bucks the house display icon pattern by as an alternative prioritizing its common search perform above all else. This specific search device is somewhat highly effective, working globally to find apps, contacts, calendar occasions, unit conversions, calculations, and internet outcomes. In a way, it features rather a lot like Apple’s Highlight Search, and that is no dangerous factor.

Kvaesitso will be downloaded from the F-Droid app marketplace, with supply code available on GitHub. Other than its search prowess, the launcher presents a devoted pane for widgets, an app drawer with the power to pin apps to the highest of the listing, a minimalistic house display, and a set of configurable gestures.

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