Related
On the eve of its fifth anniversary, software firm TeslaCoil Software announced that it is launching a new update for its Nova Launcher application. The update, which was released on Google Play Store, has been under extensive beta testing for a while and is now available for all users.
According to a report on Android Police website, Nova Launcher is one of the most popular user interface skins for Android users. A full change log of the update has also been released by the company
The log counts additions, such as swipe to open drawer and search bar (similar to what is available on Google Pixel smartphones), a new search view with tabs for frequent, recent, and new applications, timeout-styled screen lock method, double-tap swipe gestures, Android 7.1 launcher shortcuts, dock backgrounds to draw under the navigation bar, and a quick start interface to change major settings easily.
With the update, Android users can now make their launchers look similar to the Pixel Launcher. The website claims adds that with the new update, Nova Launcher comes with a cleaner interface. It states that though the new gestures come across as a bit unusual, it helps a user in gaining a quick access to more features without deranging the UI with extra buttons.
The app can be downloaded both from the developer's website as well as Google Play Store.
Google launched its Pixel smartphone at an event in October this year. The handsets are the first to come without any OEM branding. Pixel and Pixel XL are available in aluminium and glass frames in three different colour variants - Very Sliver, Quite Black and Really Blue. Both run on the latest Android Nougat 7.1 out of the box and support Google Assistant already available on the company's VPA assisted messaging app Allo.
Pixel XL sports a 5.5-inch QHD (1,440x2,560 pixels) resolution AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 4 and an integrated Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor on the back. Pixel, on the other hand, comes with a 5 inch screen with full HD display, with the remaining configurations remaining the same for both. The battery on board Pixel is a smaller 2,770mAh.
Credits:Gadgetsnow
Sapphyx Launcher The pixel launcher mod you haven't tried yet nor expected.
Sapphyx is based off a fork of the Android Oreo Launcher with a few cherry picked implementations of rootless pixel launcher i found useful and demanding and heavily modified for the uses i required of them thus leading to what I now call Sapphyx Launcher. This is a pixel mod that's heavily based on core features we see all around but developed originally from the heart. Their are no kangs here. How can you tell? Well, theirs a few stability issues, their is uniqueness, their are features you've never heard of and will enjoy.
FEATURES
-Based on Launcher3 8.1 r4
-Forked key features from Rootless Pixel Launcher (Shortcuts, Light/Dark engine, Icon Pack Support, Bottom Panel Icon Editing)
-Stripped of all Google Code to ensure the availability to everyone and secure your data of any data collection theories anyone has of them
-Context Pages 2.0 (Swipe to left Custom Pages, Original concept inspired by Blur Launcher by Luke Klinker)
-Bubbles 2.0 (Switch between android Dots or Badges for icon notification indicators and set custom tints of color)
-Pill widget returns!
-Backup and Restore data functionality
-User Profile registry for personal experience
-Homescreen Action Menu revamped from ADW Launcher from Gingerbread
-Change Adaptive Icon Shapes and Generic Background Colors or disable them
-A custom logarithm has been built to suggest Text Size, Padding and Grid Sizes for the app drawer and homescreen for all devices
-App Drawer has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. Supports Vertical and Horizontal interface, custom drag handlers, Column and Padding dimensions, App Suggestions, Search, and Color Options
-Homescreen Dock has been completely rebuilt. Supports a custom drawable that is mutated by the user to suggest an Android P background or classic Flat Background with custom tints and colors. The Dock also supports a custom search dock widget, widget support and the Swift Pill.
-SWIFT (Pill, Apps, Dash) The Swift Pill is an item located in the launcher dock to imitate the android p gesture experience and replaces the all apps button or carret indicator. Users can click, long click, swipe right and left for actions available. Swift Apps is a quick apps drawer and Swift Dash is a Custom Action panel.
-8 Different Folder styles with Smart Folder Gesture implementation
-Gestures by Sensey!
-Adaptive Color Engine. Pulls colors from the users current wallpaper and sets them inside a color scheme that may be available to certain launcher elements and views. Adaptive Primary has one color, Adaptive Secondary has 3 colors and Adaptive Accent has 4 colors to set. Users can also adjust the transparency level for that chosen color.
Use the Google Play Ratings properly as I Follow the Google User System. If you have a Problem or Personal Opinion, use the issue Report option in the launcher settings menu.
THE CODE
Overtime as I build a stronger community and build a respective trust with certain users and developers, I will invite you to the private repository that exist. This code is private to the Sapphyx Launcher project and it will stay with Sapphyx. I'm using this a learning project for myself and any developers who may get involved. Im not found of seeing all these launchers copying one another and building something unique and original is my type of game. I will compete with existing features but look at it from a different angle.
THE COMMUNITY
Join the Google Group!
Telegram Channel
GocalSD Website
DOWNLOADS
Google Play Link
XDA Labs Link
LICENSE KEYS
During the Beta, everything is free and open to explore! This will probably last a month or so to allow everyone a chance to check things out and explore but it's good to get locked in! Here are your options!
Premium License Key
-Unlocks all launcher customization and tweaks. You will also gain access to SwiftFeed Context Page Settings. This is the basic license that keeps you ensured you have everything you need to make the perfect homescreen adjustments.
Onyx License Key
-Unlocks all launcher customization, tweaks, and future implementations of Context Page development. As more pages become available, they will become more advanced and require the Onyx Key to unlock.
ADD-ONS
Drywall App
-Drywall is a wallpaper provider app i released this year. Its also open source! It provides a decent amount of wallpapers and utilities to properly set it for your screen.
Sapphyx Service Pack
-The Service Pack is an add-on for sapphyx launcher that will play a more important roll as I work on it alittle more. In the future, its roll will be to add more features to Sapphyx Launcher that would cause a user to no longer accept it as a Pixel Experience. I am currently working on the Service Pack to include more gestures, a developer backing program, security fixes, patches and more. It's completely optional and brings Firebase notification support to the launcher.
Below I talk more about the user registry and Context Pages. A full changelog can be viewed in the app and Il be building an html preview of it on my github soon.
Enjoy!
Context Pages
My replacement for the Google Now on left experience. This feature allows users to set pages that are available to them as their companion to their homescreen in Sapphyx Launcher. This was an idea based on Luke Klinkers Blur Launcher page concept but built totally different. Context Pages are loaded in an adapter in the launcher settings show you what is available to use, the license it needs to be accessed and if settings are available to it.
Swiftfeed: A powerful and customizable RSS feed with built in Google Assistive Search. A classic imitation to the Android 4.0 Experience Google Now. Loads up an rss feed (Not all feeds are currently supported), displays its contents. The header loads up the classic google now wallpapers and has a built in Google Search widget that will show realtime weather and information if you have the Beta Google Now installed. News items have swipe options for sharing and dismissing and clicking on the title will do an article search on Google Now. You can choose from an array of news articles I have provided or set your own feed. You can also change the bottom scrim color for a personal tint.
Calendar: A calendar...
Search: A basic search page with Native Google Search Widget
Swiftsnap: A selfie cam of sorts just for fun. Don't expect high quality pics from SwiftSnap. It was designed to be a selfie cam but at the same time, a trigger for photographers to get a quick pic of the world. It does consume alot of batter so be careful.
User Registry
The user registry was built to give Sapphyx Launcher a personal experience. You can set this information by accessing the launcher settings, pulling out the drawer and clicking the header and accessing the Account Settings. In here, it will ask for a profile header image, a profile avatar image, your name and a nickname. This information is used in certain elements in the launcher to give out a more personal vibe. I would like to eventually add a petite ai experience in the future so it can use this information to communicate with you as well. This information is not collected and stored in the launcher database. Your images are broken down into code and stored in the shared preferences. Kinda like getting fisted from Thanos.
Boom!
Beta Hotfix Update 7/1
Here's what has changed
-Added the ability to change the launcher settings mini drawer and full drawer size in app settings
-Added the ability to change the height and width of the dock searchbar
-General Maintenence to update checker in Changelog activity
-Removed the wrist twist concept gesture as it collided with the Tilt Gesture
-Fixed Tilt gesture to properly work and added a Show Workspace action to it
-Adjusted the padding to the Swift Pill (Still playing with location)
-Added a higher calculation multiplier to homescreen app title size (May be smaller after the update, you should change it)
-Fixed an oddball compilation bug that named Sapphyx Launcher Pixel Launcher
-Minor performance fixes in launcher workspace
-Added a proper on back press to dismiss Swift Panels
-Deleted and Removed some deprecated and unused Google Code from Stock Launcher 3 framework
-Rebuilt Pill/Date widget header for future tweaks and implementations
-Fixed a bug that suggested users they applied the Search context card when switching pages
-Added Backup and Restore Sapphyx user data functionality (A few more plans are in the making for this utility)
Now I want my users to not get used to the idea I push out updates this fast. It was a very hot n humid day and I had nothing more todo ?? but you should expect an update every week whether it's a quick fix suggested by a user to some major changes im working on.
Side Note: We noticed the Tilt gestures set an incorrect value so when this update installs, movement may return you to your homescreen so check the gesture settings!
Thank you for such active support!
Great launcher. Love the features in it
Good Launcher ?????
Working on the next beta update. Should roll out this weekend if my work schedule doesn't get any more busier but on the list so far, here's what's headed your way.
Theirs currently a bug in my math that takes the Swift Pill and Dock Searchbar and blows it up like a balloon animal on android 6 - 7.1 and draws it correctly on Android 8+ this was because I had completely forgotten about the fact of the new display size api in Oreo and up. This is being fixed to where the variables are completely manual now and you can adjust the padding, width and height of these elements. If they look awful on install or past the update, you'll be able to adjust them now.
The launcher settings will now display the changelog after each releases update to show the recent changes that have been implemented. Not many people care about the changes vs where to actually go see the changelog which is in the launcher updater activity.
The launcher settings persistent rate dialog has been revamped to a much more attractive window and the rate at which it ask for feedback has also been increased.
The text size modifiers have been slightly revamped to get better results for bigger screens, higher dp and tablet support.
Ive also refactored alot of my code that I forked from google and rootless pixel mod to hopefully fix a few problems we have on Pixel devices and essential phones. Made several adjustments for performance boost as well based on my results from the google console.
Im working to get a few new features down before I release this update so you guys have some new things to play with vs stability and performance.
A few screens of the next update.
This includes a new vertical drawer developed specifically for Android Go or low performance devices.
Ive also included an icon size variable thats pretty different compared to how other launchers have done it so we will see how it goes.
Can you add a app collection page just like Aviate Launcher had ? I just love that thing. Its so much better than having folders. Just look into it. If you can implement it, that would be great.
a.broken.star said:
Can you add a app collection page just like Aviate Launcher had ? I just love that thing. Its so much better than having folders. Just look into it. If you can implement it, that would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to explain this feature? I'm looking for an alternative to folders actually
This afternoon il be releasing a new beta update on xda labs and Google Play, I'll notify when the update is ready.
Changes coming in this build
-After changes have been applied in the launcher settings, it will now listen on home button press. Before, only backing out would trigger applying the launcher settings.
-The persuasive rating dialog increment timer has been increased by 5 and now uses Luke Klinker Floating Window Tuturial interface. This window will appear asking if the vibes of the launcher have been positive, negative or if you'd like to issue a report. Positive Vibes sends you to the playstore for a Rating, Negative vibes readies up an email directly to me for discussion, issue reporter launches activity to send a report on github for me to track.
-Changelog will now load up its html after each version changes. This allows you to see the latest changes right away. I am currently working on a better window and the activity itself as a few things have been deprecated.
-Size settings have been implemented for Homescreen/Dock Icons, App Drawer Icons, variable fixes to text size, Swift Pill sizes, and Dock Searchbar sizes variables(Which will allow Android 6-7.1 users to enjoy the dock more). I will continue to work on these variable settings as needed.
-A rare FC caused by Swift Actions should be fixed.
-Compound Drawable padding has been added to app drawer settings.
-App Drawer configuration code and paginated swiping improved for better performance and reliability.
-New Go Vertical Drawer Type added for low end devices that uses an automated process to calculate columns and spacing properly needed for screen size and density.
And a few other background preparations for and fixes to boring to talk about.
Nx Biotic said:
Care to explain this feature? I'm looking for an alternative to folders actually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a separate page where apps appear collection wise.
To open an app from a folder we to through 3 steps, 1) find the folder 2) click on it 3) click on the app
But app collection page does that in 2 steps. 1) swipe left to go to app collection page 2) click on the app.
Pls see any video of aviate launcher. It will explain it better than i can in words or screen shots.
a.broken.star said:
Its a separate page where apps appear collection wise.
To open an app from a folder we to through 3 steps, 1) find the folder 2) click on it 3) click on the app
But app collection page does that in 2 steps. 1) swipe left to go to app collection page 2) click on the app.
Pls see any video of aviate launcher. It will explain it better than i can in words or screen shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a copy of aviate launcher apk and installed and took a look. This looks like something I would consider as a Context Page or a replacement in Swift Apps panel. Il definitely keep this in mind.
New 2.00.02 update is live on xda labs
Should be live in an hour or so on Google Play!
Edit: live on playstore
If you notice some weird or aweful looking views or launcher elements because of size changes, let me know. I'm working to improve my calculations based on OS specifics and destiny
I am really enjoying Sapphyx Launcher 2. I have one question and one potential bug:
Question: Can I get a link to a "how-to" page on using icon packs with this launcher?
Bug Potential: I am using MIUI 9.5 on a Redmi Note 5 Pro, and under "Notification Bubbles" in Settings, I can't turn on "Notification Indicators." When I switch on the system notification permission switch for Sapphyx, it crashes the settings app and resets the permission to the "off" position. Tried it dozens of times, reboots, resets, turned off MIUI Optimization, plus a myriad of other attempted fixes. It just keeps crashing the MIUI settings app.
PlaidRadish said:
I am really enjoying Sapphyx Launcher 2. I have one question and one potential bug:
Question: Can I get a link to a "how-to" page on using icon packs with this launcher?
Bug Potential: I am using MIUI 9.5 on a Redmi Note 5 Pro, and under "Notification Bubbles" in Settings, I can't turn on "Notification Indicators." When I switch on the system notification permission switch for Sapphyx, it crashes the settings app and resets the permission to the "off" position. Tried it dozens of times, reboots, resets, turned off MIUI Optimization, plus a myriad of other attempted fixes. It just keeps crashing the MIUI settings app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Icon Packs: Being that your on MIUI, Icon Packs are different compared to system icon packs. Simply search icon packs on Google Play, once you find one you like, install it and select icon pack in general settings
I have a Mi 5 Pro myself. What I have discovered with Bubble Indicators is that once you enable them, you'll eed to restart your device to see the changes with MIUI or EMUI or any heavily skinned OS (Reason why I use Linage OS myself). The notification settings crashing is because that particular activity the launcher is looking for isn't available in MIUI framework so not much I can do their. If it automatically disabled it, it could be a permission thing in MIUI security
Nx Biotic said:
Icon Packs: Being that your on MIUI, Icon Packs are different compared to system icon packs. Simply search icon packs on Google Play, once you find one you like, install it and select icon pack in general settings
I have a Mi 5 Pro myself. What I have discovered with Bubble Indicators is that once you enable them, you'll eed to restart your device to see the changes with MIUI or EMUI or any heavily skinned OS (Reason why I use Linage OS myself). The notification settings crashing is because that particular activity the launcher is looking for isn't available in MIUI framework so not much I can do their. If it automatically disabled it, it could be a permission thing in MIUI security
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm new to MIUI. Love the phone, but I'm a LineageOS guy, too. Unfortunately, not every phone is bootloader unlocked or easy to force into submission of unlocked status.
I'm actually using Sapphyx Launcher 2 by Ryan Gocal - sounds like you are him?
I'm coming from a Moto Z. I don't know a lot about launcher styles but I think the way it worked is more or less straight from AOSP -- simple home screens with a toggle for a Google Search bar at the top, fixed app-drawer button in the home row, drawer scrolls vertically with an alphabetical list of all installed apps. Swiping "before" first home screen (so, to the right) shows Google Now.
I can try to get used to the stock launcher (swipe up for app drawer, down for search / calendar) but I'd really like to keep Google Now's article listing. Is there a simple way to do that without other drastic changes? I'm not planning to root, if that matters.
Try Lawnchair or Rootless Pixel Launcher. Simple APK installation and you will get similar experience to Pixel 3's launcher. There is an add-on APK available for the Google Now functionality you want as well.
You can install a theme that enables google now on the stock launcher, I have these two:
Pixel Experience Theme
Pixel Experience Theme Dark
I replaced my Pixel 3 with this phone and am quite happy how well it does so.
I use Nova Launcher Prime and Google Now companion add-on. Unfortunately I can't remember if you need to pay for Nova Launcher Prime to use the add-on. It works great!
Being a fan of Chromium OS and a passion for developing new and interesting things, I decided to build a launcher inspired by chromium os, based on Material Components.
GCA or GO Custom Android Launcher is a pixel design inspired launcher with core component features from chromium OS desktop. Its designed and built for Android Go but also offers new devices a fresh and new experience for your homescreen.
Supporting Android 5.x+, GCA offers a single screen launcher replacement app for android users who want a pixel lite experience. Alot of the offered features come from my other launcher, Sapphyx Launcher, and rebuilt to be faster, lighter and ultimately offer a better experience in a small package. It runs beautifully on Android Go, smooth on devices with Android 5 (Like the Kindle Fires) and offers a theme engine that's customizeable by the user.
GCA features are dependant on what Google Apps are installed that depend on an action, whether Google services is installed or not and specific apps that are installed (Action Dash for Dash System Shortcut)
Core Features
-A single screen setup (no grid, one widget).
-A customizeable App Drawer with multi-purpose search.
-The App Drawer features apps with system shortcuts and app shortcuts and allows users to blacklist apps.
-App Drawer supports a secondary "Work" tab to help organize apps in a better fassion.
-App Shortcuts generate a list of selectable app shortcuts in a vertical menu of the app popup.
-Recent Apps
-Easy to use launcher customization
-Pixel/Chromium desktop like Cosmetics
-Launcher uses my wallpaper app, Drywall, as default wallpaper provider. If its not installed, fallback on user selected.
-Notification Badges and Underlining. Clicking on the app will dismiss. Is not supported on Android Go unless activated by OEM.
-Adaptive Icons
-Icon Packs
Adaptive Icons
-GCA Launcher uses James Fenn's adaptive icon view library. The code itself was inspired by lawnchair's backport of adaptive icons for pre oreo devices. It pulls v26 icon assets for foregrounds and backgrounds and relayers them as an adaptive icon view which behave similar to pixel launchers adaptive icons. How you choose to use them will affect performance of the launcher and should be chosen dependant of how capable your device is. Users can select which shape of adaptive icon path they want to use. This will also apply itself to app actions, predictions and app drawer button.
There are 3 options of icons you may use for your drawer.
Pixel Adaptive - will try and generate adaptive icons based on the assets gathered by the icon and created by the system, this will slow down your app drawer depending on your hardware. (Not recommended for Android Go, Does not support icon packs)
Palette Adaptive - will disregard any assets available from the icon and simply scale the icon drawable as foreground and apply the dominant color of the icon for the background drawable (Faster than pixel adaptive, supports icon packs)
Normal Icons - normal default icon behavior and style
What's Not Working / WIP
-Icon Packs that generate their own icons like Icon Pack Studio may cause crashes, please don't use them. Icon Packs developed with BluePrint library are recommended.
-If external data usage permission is denied on first start, homescreen scrim will not be available or work correctly. Homescreen scrim will set to default white if using a live wallpaper.
-GCA is setup to change available features based on Android OS, if you notice something that may not be correct or crashes, let me know. This is your only paywall.
-Android 5.X support is limited but work in progress. Cosmetics and style need updated but it is functional. Please report back any inconveniences and crashes.
-Android 10 support has been added but we are monitoring performance and compatibility.
-Adaptive Shape Views and Adaptive Icon performance may vary on devices.
Changelog
-A detailed changelog can be found in the application settings. It is written in html so translation is your responsibility, html can be copied.
Donations
/ Pledges
-Yearly pledges have been implemented in the app. You are not obligated for any reason to purchase these but if you want regular updates, its recommended. Pledges keep the project alive and a few cups of coffee or a beer is sent my way (depending on time of day).
Downloads
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gocalsd.symphlyx
Xda Labs: https://labs.xda-developers.com/store/app/com.gocalsd.symphlyx
Telegram: Support channel can be found in the app settings
Bug Reports / Request
Please use the telegram channel or xda forums for bug reports and request. Do not use the Google Play ratings as a place for this stuff.
While making request, take into consideration how itl affect performance. We are keeping Android Go as our target OS. If itl consume memory or increase size massively , im not interested. We are aiming to keep customization minimal and the launcher simple but their could be different ways to approach currently implemented features, and id love to hear your ideas.
Android Go Nokia 1 performance demonstration
Nokia 1 and Essential Phone performance comparison
Quick Preview of Symphlyx (Latest build)
8/11/19
Il be uploading a new video soon comparing performance on a variety of devices using Symphlyx Official
Previously known as Symphlyx Launcher
Project Update Notice:
V2 is in development and I'm hoping for a beta release at the end of February 2020. The launcher has been rewritten from the ground up and includes a bunch of new features the community requested through pledges.
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
I downloaded it and put it through the paces. I like how clean it is and I think you could be on to something. Will look forward to further development. Good job. ?
MadsMann said:
I downloaded it and put it through the paces. I like how clean it is and I think you could be on to something. Will look forward to further development. Good job. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear!
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
Hoping to have a new update published tomorrow night. A preview of what's being worked on.
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
New update today, now available on xda labs!
Changes
-Added experimental support for SDK 21 (Any devices with android 5.x are now able to install Symphlyx. Needs alot of work but its useable)
-Added Dismiss popup action for Android 5.x (Clicking outside of bounds on popup will not dismiss menu)
-Improved general performance and optimization for Android Go
-Added ability to dismiss notification underlining
-Added functional reminder widget
-Added semi function Heads Up widget (Previously known as generic At A Glance. Will behave differently on different OS's. Working on a weather provider atm but clicking on weather will ooen google weather. Heads up strings display differnet things on every quarter of the day.)
-Recent Apps now functional (Uses a position and click count logic. Recent apps hold 5 recent apps. The drawer monitors a click count up to 5. Every count is registered to a position and saves the action and icon on that click for the position in recent apps. If that action is already saved in a position, the click data is ignored but the count is consumed.)
-Added the ability to clear search results. Clicking the back button when the drawer is open will dismiss it but if search results are present, it will clear the search results focus first.
-Improved icon pack support and the chooser settings
-Increased homescreen scrim and All Apps button height position
-Fixed an issue where Sensey listener would be killed if the background process was killed by android os. This would make navigating to your apps or settings impossible.
And a few more chnages, check the changelog for a full list of changes.
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
Currently working on a large update for Sapphyx Launcher atm so please leave some feedback on what could be improved, what you'd like to see, how the launcher performs on your device, etc while i take a break on this project to let it simmer.
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
Currently finishing things up with Sapphyx Launcher development but a whole lot of changes are expected to be merged in with Symphlyx launcher in the coming future.
Sent from my HTC U Ultra using XDA Labs
It's been kinda quiet around here. I present a preview of the new popup menu we've been working on.
An update is expected to drop in June. Rebuilding alot of everything.
Let's talk about this new screenshot here giving some lite to Symphlyx Launcher's future.
Users will now have a dock. This dock will reflect recent app icons to the desktop from the drawer. These shortcuts have a popup menu similar to the drawer popup menu but limited to launcher actions. These do not have any sort of notification indicator.
Below the apps is a google searchbar. The searchbar also has 3 items. 2 predictive actions and am all apps button. The all apps button can be toggled while the predictive actions are only available to devices that support app shortcuts. Predictive actions behave very similar to Lawnchair 's logic behind predictive actions. When a user launches a shortcut class, its logged and saved to the prediction items. Only 2 at a time are logged.
Update Alpha 0.5 is now available on xda labs and pending on Google play.
Changes since march reveal
-Widget sliders are dead. The homescreen has been rebuilt to be cleaner, faster and better for gestures. Insteaf of Sliders, Symphkyx will rely on its stand alone heads up widget. Later on, users will be granted the ability to use their own widgets.
-Sensey gesture recognition has been removed due to click interferences we had during development. It has been replaced with our own gesture recognition system that will allow more control.
-The homescreen now offers a Shelf (dock) similar to Chromium. This shelf will later have some theme options available. Shelf will mirrow recwntly opened apps from the app drawer and add them in a 5 item dock. These shortcuts offer limited launcher actions and launcher shortcuts. Below these apps is a searchbar for google. It should open Google now depending on your os and firmware. On the end of the searchbar is an all apps button and a holder for recent actions. Recent actions can be enabled in the launcher settings and is only available to android 7.1+. Prediction actions will list 2 recenlty opened app shortcuts. These shortcuts will remain here untill a new app package is detected and/or replaced by the prediction system.
-The app drawer has had a few things done to it to improve performance and reliability. Colors are extracted in the data set instead of the adapter now and used for the popup menu and badge underlining. The drawer toolbar works the same way as before. Clicking on the google icons will open their respective activities but if something is in the searchbar, it will search that string in that environment. (ex: Google search news, Playstore search news)
-The popup menu still needs some tuning but now builds up on app shortcuts. If a shortcut is available, it will add it in a vertical list menu. This replaces the shortcut action we used to have to view shortcuts in a context menu. This menu is cleaner, faster and feels like a pixel popup. Actions are dependant of your os version and shortcuts are dependant on availability. Shortcuts and popups do not appear on recent apps in the app drawer.
-The settings menu has been cleaned up abit. This menu will only contain dynamic settings. (except icon packs) The menu now has an expansion activity. This menu will hold settings that rely on the launcher restarting or some system dependant.
-The about activity has been rebuilt with attribouter.
-The application is now built on AndroidX and Material Components. Very little 3rd party dependency is used now for a cleaner and reliable experience.
Recent Screenshots
Small update today. Tried correcting the positioning of popup menus on app item positions. We've noticed the popup menus would cut off on far right items and arrows not correctly inflating in the right sport or at all. I simply updated the popup library to correct these issues.
I might look into some sort of notification or alert count in the popup menu which would reset to 0 if cleared with the Clear Action.
A light n dark theme mode is being looked. This will be triggered by time or manually.
Nx Biotic said:
Small update today. Tried correcting the positioning of popup menus on app item positions. We've noticed the popup menus would cut off on far right items and arrows not correctly inflating in the right sport or at all. I simply updated the popup library to correct these issues.
I might look into some sort of notification or alert count in the popup menu which would reset to 0 if cleared with the Clear Action.
A light n dark theme mode is being looked. This will be triggered by time or manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be promising. Wouldn't let me get through the permissions set-up before crashing.
dpdsr65 said:
Could be promising. Wouldn't let me get through the permissions set-up before crashing.
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Click to collapse
What android version are you using?
Nx Biotic said:
What android version are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8. 10
dpdsr65 said:
8. 10
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Click to collapse
Interesting, il see what would of caused this to happen.
Well I was searching for a new launcher and xda labs landed me here. Screenshots look dope, but for me launcher has bugs,
1: not able to set homescreen widget even when given all permissions
2: app drawer is cut maybe due to aspect ratio ( mine is 19.5:9)
Well if these screens help, here they are.
I first introduced GCA Launcher 3 years ago as an inspirational project based on Chromium OS and over the years of development and continuous feedback from the userbase, GCA Launcher has evolved into a one of kind launcher experience that is now considered competitive against its own kind. GCA is not a traditional android grid homescreen launcher app but a single screen homescreen experience. We sacrifice the cluttered homescreen experience for a focused workspace where users can place apps that are apart of their daily routines while retaining the ability to access to important features like shortcuts, notifications, actions and personalization. The app drawer has been designed for a one handed experience while retaining the organization and filtering experience users need to search for apps that are important to them. Below, Il talk about sections of the launcher in more detail.
THE HOMESCREEN
The homescreen was designed for users who want the Pixel experience on their devices but also provide them with a simple tier experience that has no clutter, that is easy to understand, have full control and have access to some inhouse features that are unique to GCA. The Homescreen was designed for both the big screen and mobile scene. Users can pin as many apps to their Shelf as they want. You can do so by going into your app drawer, long pressing on an app to access its popup menu and select pin to shelf. This then creates a hotseat for that specific app sets a unique ID to that speicif hotseat so its protected against other possible replicas the user may create. This in turn opens a door in the future that will allow me to add Actions, Groups, and other possible actions I can allow users to add to the shelf. Users can choose between using GCA Launchers built in Quick Search Bar to bond to their shelf or choose a specific searchbar widget to bond to the shelf or hide it all together. To access the app drawer, users simply swipe up from the shelf to access the app list. Users are also able to use either GCA Launchers built in Widget that simply works as a search bar and displays the Google App and Chrome app shortcuts or use a specific widget of their choice. The homescreen also has a set of customizeable gestures the user can bond actions and shortcuts to.
LAUNCHER SHEETS
While developing GCA Launcher, I wanted something that spoke material design (Besides the Material You theming features baked in) that was unique to the launcher. The idea came about while browsing the Material Component website by google and Material Sheets caught my eye.
By default, GCA uses the Navigation Menu to display the launcher menu on the homescreen but I decided to take this a step further and tap into its full ability to display content. There are 2 types of sheets that function in GCA Launcher. App Sheets and Launcher Sheets. Launcher Sheets display content that can interact with the user while App Sheets display information regarding the target its referring to. For EX: After accessing the popup menu, selecting the hamburger menu in the quick action list in the popup will open te App Sheet of the selected application, this will display System Actions and Setting Information. Launchers Sheets display information like the Launcher Menu, Quick Search, Notifications and more to come. Launcher Sheets can be bonded to gestures to quickly access them and they dont interfere with your homescreen. Its very similar to the quick space in Action Launcher.
BADGES
GCA Launcher brings 4 different app badges to the table. Dots, Badge Counts, Underline and Dynamic.
Dots have been redesigned to behave abit differently than pixel launcher. As notification counts increase, the border of the Dot will get darker.
Underlines are just, well underlines...
Badge Counts will show the current count of active notifications for an app.
Dynamic Badges are something new. I wanted to create something similar to Nova Launcher but ofcourse from my own perspective. As notifications increase for an app, it monitors the notifications in the background and watches the notification icons used. The icon is than rendered as a badge and placed on the app.
ICON EDITING
I have not cut any corners when it comes to Icon Editing. From applying 2 different icon packs for your app drawer and your shelf, to editing labels and choosing specific icons from installed icons packs to crafting your own icon from an image in your gallery, their are all sorts of possibilities for Icon Management. GCA Launchers uses its own Adaptive Icon Rendering library to manipulate icons to any size, shape, dim and even creating material you themed icons on your Shelf.
LAUNCHER SETTTINGS
The launcher settings was the most interesting part about this project. I wanted a complete redesign. A complete do over. Something new and fresh. The Launcher settings was designed for both new users and existing users in mind. The Interface uses a Rail Navigation for the core categories most users are focused on while pressing on the navigation button will expand the Navigation Menu that allows the user to access even more settings for the launcher.
PRO FEATURES
GCA LAUNCHER IS NO LONGER AN ALL FREE LAUNCHER (As it used to be when it first launched). With the pandemic and everything else going on in my life, I had to make the choice to make GCA Launcher a profitable project. Unlike other premium launchers where the user buys a premium key and everything unlocks, GCA Launcher DOES NOT USE THIS APPROACH. Users can now buy individual pro features based on their needs and wants. I am working on ways to reward users with discounts and/or if you have purchased pledges in the past. Pledges are just donations and don't reward you with anything however I am working on getting pledged users discounts to reep benifits from. I am also working on discount days and special events to earn pro features. This is an entirely new direction for launchers, so yeah im a tad nervous about it but being the first launcher dev to approach this but im excited at the same time. Once you purchase a pro feature, it should unlock automatically from the launcher settings or just implement itself under the hood. If it doesnt seem to stick properly, reboot the launcher or make sure the pro feature has been purchased.
PRO FEATURES FOR NONE GOOGLE USERS
Some android devices around the world do not run off of google or just is not available and I understand this and am working very hard in the background to figure out a solution that will not be abused. I will have something for you in the future.
ANDROID GO VERSION
Coming soon!
Core Features
Launcher supports work profile apps and dual apps
Supports to indicate paused apps
Supports Action Dash system shortcut
Supoorts Sesame Searchbar in the Shelf
Launcher takes into consideration Full Screen Gestures and the Navigation Bar when needed to
Groups allow users to create organized folders of apps available in the Groups Sheet
Multi-tab search in the app drawer
While enabling Recent Apps and Groups in the app drawer, this will disable the section seeker view
Launcher Sheets are a new approach to menus and options for the launcher and apps.
The Shelf offers specific actions for apps that differ from the Drawer apps. One option in specific is the favorite action.
The Shelf and App Drawer apps will feature different system shortcuts and features in the app sheet. Long clicking on an app will make a popup menu appear, click the hamburger menu for a sheet menu
Apps can be edited in 2 options. The physical editing and the personal options. Personal options are in the launcher settings and allow options like icon sizes, label editing and shape shifting. Physical options can be found in the popup menu by clicking edit. This allows adaptive override, icon pack editing, scale and label editing.
The Shelf features a revised searchbar that can be toggled to the Top, Bottom or Removed completely. The searchbar features a shortcut to open the launcher menu, a global search feature, an assistant shortcut and has an option to store and track the usage of App Shortcuts to feature a recent actions holder.
Hide and Edit apps right from the popup menu
The App Drawer is built on a fastscroll functionality.
Recent Apps now uses Usage Stats Data. This gives Recent Apps a 100% reliable stat and not clutter up the app drawer when its not in use. The list will update on a regular basis.
The Shelf and App Drawer themes are based on a sheet style. They overlap each other creating some interesting twist to style.
App Shortcuts and Notifications for the current app appear in the popup menu
Active Notifications appear in app sheets showing users a preview of current notifications. Clicking on the notification will take you to that action. The notification sheet will display all your active notifications and snoozed notifications.
Users can manage a blacklist of notification badges
GCA Launcher does support Material Widgets in Android 12
Widgets can be resized by long clicking on them and a resize module will appear.
Material You theming powered by MonetCompat
Launcher settings features smart suggestions that appear on certain variables when available
Join the beta program to receive the newest build of GCA Launcher and to test new features before they officially release.
Links:
GCA Telegram Channel
GCA Telegram News Channel
Sign Up For Beta Program Web Android
GCA Launcher on Google Play
General Note:
This is a pre beta of which means parts of the launcher are not even functional yet. I did a pre beta to find errors i couldn't find myself and to get feedback on the progress we currently are at. If you see a page that is blank or something isn't functional, chances are it wasn't ready for the public yet. Please be patient with things.
Common Questions:
Why does GCA Launchers Adaptive icons behave so differently compared to the ones found in stock launchers?
-That is because the icons use a different mechanic and were made from scratch so everyone could enjoy adaptive icons and it not be exclusive to 7.1+ users. My icons can be modified from the icon to the shape override.
Can we get a launcher import option?
-No, not currently. Almost all launchers that exist use the base of Googles Launcher3 which adding an import option for them is easy. I would have to take the database, tear it apart, create a converter and place the data we need were it belongs. We are not there yet.
The System UI seems to behave differently from other apps.
-GCA Launcher has a theme engine similar to pixel launcher and trys to make the choice of a light or dark navbar or statusbar. Using Android10s dark mode may confuse things but eventually il have it all sorted out.
The launcher interface isn't what I expected. Shouldn't it behave like pixel launcher?
-No, it behaves like it should be. How it was designed.
Does it support quickswitch?
-It never will unless Google changes the api for the recents provider. I blame the lawnchair team of this common question as many users have assumed this is a premium feature now and should be supported by all launchers now which isn't the case.
Does this launcher support dark mode from android10?
-yes but we have some work todo yet
Why do things look weird in the launcher settings? Preference category is hard to read and matches the toolbar color.
-Try changing the color scheme in the style settings. This is the GCA theme engine at work.
Ratings:
If you post a rating for GCA Launcher coming from V1, more than likely i will dis regard it. V1 is being deprecated soon and all bugs and errors you will find in V1 on the playstore are being disregarded. V2 is a rewrite with new features and new bugs.
Bugs
Theming issues colliding with system
Some widgets dont' save initial setup data
Complex widgets are not currently supported
That's a ton of changes. Do you have any screenshots or screen recordings you can share?
MishaalRahman said:
That's a ton of changes. Do you have any screenshots or screen recordings you can share?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can most definitely do that
Screenshots of V2
I updated the build earlier to fix something for Android 8 users and ended up screwing something up for Android 9 users so il be keeping tabs on everything as much as possible but I will not be able to do anything if no one says anything. Please provide feedback as much as possible. Thank you in advanced.
Those of you keeping me informed of crashes, thank you, thank you, thank you
Newest build fixes problems with android 9 and 10 crashing in specific windows of the launcher
I just installed this and have only played with it for a few minutes. A couple things I have noticed.
The status bar icons and time take on the same color as the wallpaper. I installed and ran it with a white background. The status bar icons were white, when I changed to a black background they changed to black as well.
I can't get the size of the icons to save. When I go to settings>theme and style>launcher icon I change the size from small to normal but when you click ok and go back into the setting it says small again.
I also would get where the phone would default back to the stock launcher.
Maybe I didn't play around with it enough but how do you set apps on the dock?
I will mess with it some more tomorrow and let you know if I find anything else.
Also I am on a Pixel 4 XL on March update. Not rooted or unlocked
hatdrc said:
I just installed this and have only played with it for a few minutes. A couple things I have noticed.
The status bar icons and time take on the same color as the wallpaper. I installed and ran it with a white background. The status bar icons were white, when I changed to a black background they changed to black as well.
I can't get the size of the icons to save. When I go to settings>theme and style>launcher icon I change the size from small to normal but when you click ok and go back into the setting it says small again.
I also would get where the phone would default back to the stock launcher.
Maybe I didn't play around with it enough but how do you set apps on the dock?
I will mess with it some more tomorrow and let you know if I find anything else.
Also I am on a Pixel 4 XL on March update. Not rooted or unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shelf apps can be changed by long clicking on a Shelf favorite and their will be a Favorite option to select a different package. This option isn't available in the App Drawer apps so it might be easy to miss.
When changing the icon sizes, make sure your changing the icon size and bot just the text size. Both options are in one dialog.
Id your having a hard time switching out your default launcher, you can use my No'Me app i have listed above. It helps alot.
Nx Biotic said:
Newest build fixes problems with android 9 and 10 crashing in specific windows of the launcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app in your GDrive is (always) updated ?
Going to test your launcher by curiosity.
Thx !
BreckZeBoulay said:
The app in your GDrive is (always) updated ?
Going to test your launcher by curiosity.
Thx !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I keep both Gdrive and Telegram beta channel updated. I will be publishing the beta build on Playstore when i feel its stable enough. Right now, we constantly keep running into something that prevents me from doing so.
Hi, I was wondering if you could add an import feature?
I take a lot of time to setup my whole homescreen and it would be amazing to have an import feature. Thanks
I want to import my nova launcher setup to this launcher.
surya467 said:
Hi, I was wondering if you could add an import feature?
I take a lot of time to setup my whole homescreen and it would be amazing to have an import feature. Thanks
I want to import my nova launcher setup to this launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't happen because this launcher uses a different style and approach to the launcher scene. The most customization you will do in this launcher is color scheme and icon theming
Hi,
I was more curious and installed it in my android 8.0 with custom system UI colours (non rooted).
when I set as launcher, the system UI get restarted again and again. Finally, it ended up with Factory reset.
beautiful launcher ? works great on my old Nokia 8, on my Nova 5T not so much (cause Huawei) I'll watch the progress of this launcher from now on, thank you for this, Pledge doesn't work on the pre- beta
vpguru said:
Hi,
I was more curious and installed it in my android 8.0 with custom system UI colours (non rooted).
when I set as launcher, the system UI get restarted again and again. Finally, it ended up with Factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im currently investigating a launcher theme issue. Its crashing devices randomly. Your not alone
PaulDnoOb said:
beautiful launcher ? works great on my old Nokia 8, on my Nova 5T not so much (cause Huawei) I'll watch the progress of this launcher from now on, thank you for this, Pledge doesn't work on the pre- beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pledges should work. May depend on the google services version installed on your device. Thank you for your support.
Great launcher
Great launcher but it's a bit buggy for me on One UI. The header text is dark in the settings and also in app options when using dark mode and adaptive icons don't work properly for Samsung apps. The status bar also is dark on home screen and blends in with the wallpaper so it's hard to read. Also when you open the app drawer the shelf doesn't completely hide the app icons (the top portion is still visible). I don't know if that's by design but it looks weird. Search doesn't work (probably because I don't have the Google app installed but if that's the case I wish there was an option to disable it). Creating a widget causes the launcher to freeze, and it only recovers when I clear data and force stop. When you press and hold an icon, even if the side menu shows up partially, if you leave pressing the app, the app will launch. You have to wait for the side menu to completely open. That's not much of an issue once you get used it's behavior. It's an early build so the bugs are expected but I thought I will report them anyways.
ununununun said:
Great launcher but it's a bit buggy for me on One UI. The header text is dark in the settings and also in app options when using dark mode and adaptive icons don't work properly for Samsung apps. The status bar also is dark on home screen and blends in with the wallpaper so it's hard to read. Also when you open the app drawer the shelf doesn't completely hide the app icons (the top portion is still visible). I don't know if that's by design but it looks weird. Search doesn't work (probably because I don't have the Google app installed but if that's the case I wish there was an option to disable it). Creating a widget causes the launcher to freeze, and it only recovers when I clear data and force stop. When you press and hold an icon, even if the side menu shows up partially, if you leave pressing the app, the app will launch. You have to wait for the side menu to completely open. That's not much of an issue once you get used it's behavior. It's an early build so the bugs are expected but I thought I will report them anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your feedback