5 unconventional Android launchers that can make your cellphone as distinctive as you’re

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

Previously, 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 can be much less mainstream, however equally (if no more) engaging. Listed here are 5 such third-party launchers that supply a inventive and wholly unconventional method to the Android dwelling 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 muddle. 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 anyplace on display with out holding down. This setup is slick and extremely intuitive in my expertise, and I recognize 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 one in every of a number of Android launcher apps that intention to deliver the standard PC terminal or command line interface to cellular. In my expertise, Yantra is the slickest and most well-thought-out choice available on the market, with a lovely design and entry to a big set of instructions with pre-configured prompts.

For a command line launcher, the app is surprisingly approachable, inserting instructions close to the underside of the show in a reachable method. In fact, in the event you dig beneath the floor a bit, you will discover a variety of customization choices and power-user options on provide. 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

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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 consumer interface with an enthralling scribble characteristic, letting you draw out a letter to launch any of your put in functions. Whereas the unique Z Launcher could also be lengthy gone, a third-party developer has gone ahead and created a religious successor within the type of ReZ Launcher.

ReZ embraces Nokia’s scribble to look characteristic, with assist for quite a lot of languages and in numerous written scripts. App options, widgets, media controls, and different customary Android dwelling display choices are all carried out, making this a strong 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 possibly can have channels?

Revo Launcher provides 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 functions 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 among the different launchers on this checklist, 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 testing 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 operate above all else. This explicit search device is reasonably highly effective, working globally to find apps, contacts, calendar occasions, unit conversions, calculations, and internet outcomes. In a way, it capabilities lots 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. Apart from its search prowess, the launcher provides a devoted pane for widgets, an app drawer with the power to pin apps to the highest of the checklist, a minimalistic dwelling display, and a set of configurable gestures.

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