Smart Launcher – customize your Android with simple, clean & functional launcher
by Paul Wilks
Feb 18, 2013 9:39 AM –
Install
Smart Launcher is a simple, clean and intuitive homescreen replacement app for Android. The most striking thing about Smart Launcher is just how simple it makes using you Android. So, whether you want to cut away a lot of the nuances of your native launcher you have no use for or just want to make your experience as streamlined as possible, this is worth a look.
Price: Free or ~$3.59 for the Pro version
Tested on: Nexus 4
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Smooth and intuitive user interface!
- Orgainses apps in to easy-access categories!
- Themes!
- Extra features in the Pro version!
Cons
- As beautifully simple as it is, users who prefer the deep-level functionality of apps like Apex and Nova launcher will perhaps be disappointed.
Features:
Smart Launcher is an extremely simple, yet hugely effective homescreen launcher for Android devices. Now, while it does offer some customisability, it is perhaps not going to appeal to people who like to mod and tweak their homescreen. It isn’t anything like Apex or Nova Launcher but is still elegant, straight forward and a rather fresh take on the launcher concept.
When you first boot the app up, it asks you to define your default apps for things like camera, phone, music and gallery. When the app then settles you can see why, there is a striking circle of fast icons that link straight to those places. These shortcuts then occupy your main homescreen view. You can add to them too; the first thing I did was include a Gmail link. While this is irreducibly simple, it’s also effective as you can create links to your most popular or used apps and have them all in one screen.
In the bottom left hand side of the screen there is a link to a side entering apps drawer. Instead of opening a grid drawer as you might expect, you instead see categories; Communication, Internet, Games, Media, Utility and Settings. Apps are separated according to each heading and displayed in the main part of the screen when it is selected. There are also icons for the Google Play Store, a Preferences menu and Search.
In the Preferences section you can access the different customisations offered. Now, it’s relatively scant compared to some launchers, but if you would rather not fuss with the details, this is refreshingly straight forward. You can alter the homescreen clock, icons and background. The app even lets you use ADW Launcher EX and Launcher Pro theme icons.
The app is free to download and try, although functionality is slightly reduced unless you buy the Pro version. The Pro version for example, lets you place widgets.
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Simple Launcher – Coloured backgrounds (1)
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Simple Launcher – Coloured backgrounds (2)
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Simple Launcher – Coloured backgrounds (3)
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Simple Launcher – Coloured backgrounds (4)
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Simple Launcher – Customised clock and icon bubbles
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Simple Launcher – Simple homescreen
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Simple Launcher – Clock styles
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Simple Launcher – Wallpaper options
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Simple Launcher – Easy to access categories (1)
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Simple Launcher – Easy to access categories (2)
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Simple Launcher – Easy to access categories (3)
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Simple Launcher – Easy to access categories (4)
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Simple Launcher – Edit
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Simple Launcher – Add new shortcuts
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Simple Launcher – Draw transition effects
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Simple Launcher – Create new link
Usefulness:
I’m going to assume that the app is aimed at a very different market to people who like to infinitely tweak and modify their homescreen experience. Instead, Smart Launcher is incredibly simple, easy to use and very streamlined. If you want something straight forward that still gives you the essentials.
Ease of Use:
The app is built to be incredibly easy to use. The pop out app drawer/dock allows you to access exactly what you need in just a couple of taps. You can add important or most frequently used shortcuts to your main screen and even widgets if you invest in the Pro version.
There’s perhaps additional ideas for its use. If you have a child who needs a simpler interface to use or even an older family member who needs something very easy to understand, this might be a good option for them. Saying this, don’t think it’s just an app for the non-technical. It could just be that you want to completely streamline and simplify your experience, in which case, this is great.
Frequently Used:
As a homescreen replacement, it would be an app you use every time you switch on your phone.
Interface:
I’m over using this word I know, but the fact remains is that the interface is ‘simple’! If you like minimalist design or find hundreds of widgets, folders, shortcuts, multiple docks and clocks a little too distracting, this is the solution to try.
Tags:
ADW,
Android App,
Android App of the Week,
Android Apps,
AndroidTapp.com App Review,
Apex,
App of the Week,
Custom Android Home Screen,
Customize Home Screen,
Homescreen,
Launcher,
launcher pro,
Minimalist,
NOVA,
Smart Launcher,
Smart Launcher Pro
Categorised in: Personalization
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