BEST OF THE WEB

Try a new launcher to spruce up an Android device

Tired of the home screen on your Android device? Try replacing it with a different launcher.

The Google Play Store has dozens of them (from Action Launcher to Zeam Launcher), each with a wide range of features – grid size customization, skins, transition effects, app drawers, widgets, status bars et cetera. Some are free, some charge to enable certain features.

Some are for Android tablets only, while others are for Android smart phones.

Patrick Nelson of LinuxInsider tried Nova Launcher Prime – the paid version – from TeslaCoil Software for his tablet. It needs Android 4.0 and above.

The bad news is there’s no step-by-step setup, so users will have to search around for some settings.

On the other hand, Nelson writes, “visual effects are almost overwhelmingly customizable.”

Among the features is the ability to hide apps, have a scrollable dock with up to seven icons per page and to start apps with gestures.

Launchers are a way to go beyond replacing the desktop of a device. As always before buying an app you need to research the software and the company behind it.

Read the whole story here

Howard Solomon
Howard Solomon
Currently a freelance writer, I'm the former editor of ITWorldCanada.com and Computing Canada. An IT journalist since 1997, I've written for several of ITWC's sister publications including ITBusiness.ca and Computer Dealer News. Before that I was a staff reporter at the Calgary Herald and the Brampton (Ont.) Daily Times. I can be reached at hsolomon [@] soloreporter.com

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

ITW in your inbox

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

More Best of The Web