5 Abandoned Android Launchers I Still Miss Today
The Android launcher industry may currently be in its heyday. Although launchers like Nova Launcher are no longer the top choice for many users, there are now many other launchers focusing on various needs and market segments. Interesting options such as Octopi Launcher with its support for multiple devices and layouts, Kvaesitso emphasizing search features, and Niagara Launcher offering a minimalist experience have filled that gap.
However, when I reflect on the launchers available now, my mind always drifts to those that paved the way for today's innovations. In earlier Android versions, we enjoyed truly revolutionary home screen experiences—many of which I still miss today. Here are some Android launchers I wish would make a comeback in the market.
Z Launcher: Innovation from Nokia
Although Nokia lost its position in the phone race in the mid-2010s, the company continued innovating in software. After meeting consumer needs and prevailing trends, Nokia launched the Android-powered N1 tablet, which was the first product to feature the iconic Z Launcher. One of this launcher's greatest strengths was how it arranged icons on the home screen. Z Launcher always prioritized the icons most frequently selected by users, a stark contrast to the static icon arrangements common on Android home screens.
If users couldn’t find the desired app, Z Launcher had a unique search feature called scribble search. Users could draw letters with their finger on the home screen, and the launcher would perform a fuzzy search based on those letters, displaying contacts, apps, and other shortcuts. Unfortunately, this launcher was removed from the market almost as quickly as it appeared, making it one of the biggest mysteries in Nokia’s software catalog. However, some modern developers have drawn inspiration from Z Launcher’s intelligence and integrated it into their own products, one of which is ReZ Launcher.
Evie Launcher: Charming Simplicity
Evie Launcher arrived amid many launchers trying to offer abundant features. Although it did not innovate in home screen layout like Z Launcher, Evie provided a fast and smooth experience with a simple interface. This launcher worked very well out of the box without much customization, though users wanting to utilize a wide grid layout and news feed could also do so. Unfortunately, Evie Launcher was removed from the Play Store in the early 2020s, and although not groundbreaking, its absence has yet to be filled by any modern launcher.
Aviate: The Smart Contextual Launcher
2014 was a big year for Android launchers, with Aviate being one of the most talked about. Aviate offered a truly useful contextual interface, adjusting the home screen offerings based on the user’s location and time. Imagine Google Now, but with the ability to organize your entire home screen experience. Aviate also organized apps by use case, providing a major advantage for users with many apps. Although Aviate received support for several years after being acquired by Yahoo, the launcher was eventually abandoned, and Yahoo’s efforts to revive its launcher glory could not match Aviate’s achievements.
Apex Launcher and ADW Launcher 2: Fading Hopes
Apex Launcher is in a confusing state; although no longer available on the Play Store, it can still be downloaded from alternative sources. However, many users feel the latest versions of Apex do not compare to its original experience. Meanwhile, ADW Launcher 2 remains available but has not received updates since September 2018, making it feel outdated. Although still downloadable, the lack of maintenance means ADW does not appear in Play Store searches on compatible devices.
Android launchers come and go, but these five launchers hold a special place in my heart because they offered something different in this competitive app genre. Do you have an abandoned Android launcher you hope will return? Let me know in the comments below!
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/abandoned-android-launchers-3678128/
