Best new Android launchers and interface tools (March #2)

posted by Daniel P. / Mar 27, 2015, 4:53 AM

Best new Android launchers and interface tools (March #2)

If you put enough time and effort, they say, you can tailor every Android phone to serve your unique interests and interface layout, and third-party launchers like Nova, Apex and the like, have proved it time and again.

Every once in a while, a new launcher appears that promises a paradigm shift in interacting with our mobile devices, utilizing innovative gesture-based or side-sliding launch tech, and some of them are even donning amazing graphics and extra functionality.

We took a glimpse at what's new and cool at the Play Store in the interface draping department for the past two weeks, and noticed a few launchers and interface tools that you might find useful, or at least funky to try out. Check them out below.

Drivemode - Driving UI (BETA)

Not satisfied with Android Auto? Well, here is a great alternative for all you distracted drivers out there.

Bubble Screenlock Launcher

Want your Android to prep you for the Apple Watch interface? All apps, contacts,messages and setting in Apple Watch style are here in "colourful galaxy circle" style on the launcher home screen or lock screen. Bubble Screenlock Launcher is an innovative screen lock launcher, featuring unique design, user-friendly interface,low battery and resources requirements that allows you to launch any application with just a few taps.

Bubble Screenlock Launcher

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Cold Launcher [ROOT] ($1.99)

Cold Launcher is a simple one which can freeze/defrost apps right on the desktop, it's also the first Android launcher to have this functionality. After freezing(disabling) apps, they are just like uninstalled but actually not, you can defrost them with a single touch. No more annoying background services or auto start. It can help save battery life by freezing apps you don't use so often, perfect for people who like to install lots of apps but don't want to slow down their Android devices because of background services or auto-starts.

Picoo Launcher—Material Design

Picoo Launcher claims to be the "fastest, smallest and most power-saving phone launcher created with Google Material Design on the market," yet is now devoid of all basic launcher functionality one would expect.

Picoo Launcher—Material Design

Terminal Launcher

Access the Android command-line on your home screen! Run scripts, programs, customize your ROM, use busybox, open and control applications and more.

Terminal Launcher

Drive Easy Amaze

Yet another take on Android Auto, Drive Easy counts on huge visuals in distracting colors to make your car trip easier

Invisible active Widget

This widget allows you to create an invisible / hidden area that goes to one of your installed applications when pressed. The app allows for resizable widgets, and, if the launcher permits, can overlap with other widgets.

Invisible active Widget

Options

9 Comments

1. frydaexiii

Posts: 1476; Member since: Dec 01, 2011

OMG! that Bubble screenlock launcher...My Trypophobia >< So disgusting....

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 5:06 AM 3

3. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

I think i will go with the Bubble screenlock launcher, totally free and having a 4.2 rating. LOL!

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 8:59 AM 0

2. Sauce5 unregistered

Cold Launcher is pretty awesome. Thank you Daniel P for bringing this to my attention!

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 5:12 AM 0

4. cezarepc

Posts: 718; Member since: Nov 23, 2012

Imagine seeing someone using the Terminal Launcher. Wicked.

5. CreeDiddy

Posts: 2244; Member since: Nov 04, 2011

Android launcher developers are so flattered by Apple. I wonder why....

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 10:15 AM 0

7. frydaexiii

Because they can...Can't say the same for Apple developers huh?

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 11:01 AM 1

8. CreeDiddy

Being flattered and not creative isn't a skill. Because they can...isn't a great response to app launcher developer that will be irrelevant for years to come. Getting 10 mins of fame doesn't count towards a long term benefit to the end user. Either you admit that Android developers are running out of ideas or hate that Apple is printing money on anything that is developed and created.

posted on Mar 27, 2015, 1:00 PM 0

9. frydaexiii

Or or OR, they're doing it for sh*ts and giggles...Why does profit or usefulness have to be a factor in app development? Personally, I learnt how to make a basic soundboard app. I made an app that recreates soundclips from a TV show. Useful? Not at all. Reason for doing it? Because I can, because I want to see what I am capable of with the knowledge on how to make a soundboard app. Price: It isn't on the Play Store, and I have no intention of selling it there either. and despite it's uselessness, there are still people/friends asking for the apk. Not all developers sit down and make apps with making money as their main objective. Some just want to experiment, to see if they can recreate what took dozens of Apple designers months to make and turn it into something else. And some legitimately like the designs Apple has created, but don't want to give up Android just to use it. Think outside your little walled garden friend, just because Apple doesn't give you the options, doesn't mean it isn't there...