Best Windows 8 Like Launcher for Android Smartphones

I have had the time to go through a lot of different Windows 8 Live tile launchers and many if not almost all had failed to function like the actual Windows Live Tile System. That is until the Launcher 8 was introduced into the Google Play Market. Now with 24, 000 user downloads and at an average rating of 4.5, this new Windows 8 Launcher is proving to be quite a good alternative to those that are bored with the regular Android Feel and are craving for something simplified with a Windows Live Tile feel.

Curious? Here are some of the key features of this amazing WP8 Launcher:

- You can add different size tiles;
- You can add a variety of color tile;
- You can save and restore the theme;
- You can edit the start screen layout;
- You can set the current background style;
- You can switch the application list style
- You can add Android widgets in the tiles;
- You can set the wp8 style lock screen and status bar;
- You can select more than one hundred kinds of theme colors;
- You can add special features tiles,like time ,pictures and contact photo.

Reminder:
1 shows the live contact needs to read the contact data access permission;
2 add a shortcut when direct dial call authority need the android.permission.CALL_PHONE ;
3 add send SMS shortcut operation message need permission.

Here are sample Pictures of the interface that is amazingly highly customizable:

Though there are some bugs it still proves to be one of the best new launchers out there and the really good thing about it is that the developer is allowing people to download and use it for free, that doesn't mean though that they wont stop developing and improving it. Based on the user feedback I have found that there have already been several improvements by the time I got to use it and that the developers are constantly working on getting to hit it just right. I personally have moved over to using this launcher over my Sense 4+ on my HTC One X and though some have complained of battery drain, I haven't noticed anything above the ordinary at least in the battery department. I think I'll be keeping this till HTC Sends over the updates for HTC Sense 5 with Blink Feed. 

Overall, this is a must try launcher for all of you that are tired of the User Interface that came pre-installed in your Android units. Do remember that this is still being developed further and may take some tweaking of the settings to get things right. The great thing about it is that this allows you to customize it as much if not more than what Windows Phone 8 allows its user giving it a truly more personalized feel to your phone. Even the lock screen is exactly the same way as that of the Windows Phone 8.

Here's a screenshot of how I have customized mine to my personal taste:

Here is the link for Launcher 8

Till next Time...

-Metz-

Simple Yet Elegant - Smart Launcher Pro

I rarely would go to a different launcher UI for my HTC One X as there are very little that are out there that show a sense of style and yet not hog up my battery and phone's memory just to work. I was fortunate enough to have gotten to stumble upon one Android Launcher that is capable of giving me the simplicity and functionality of an Android environment but yet is elegant and smart in its design. That is what Smart Launcher Pro has provided for those that would be willing to pay out a little bit more for something that gives a very intuitive UI.

Smart Launcher is an innovative launcher characterized by a minimalist design, low memory usage and an user-friendly UI that let you start any application with a few taps.

It is currently the only launcher on the store to features automatic cataloging of installed apps!

I don't use any license check, it's useless. I update this app weekly, spend few dollars is easier than download a pirate version every week.

Features:
- Main screen with Quick Start
- Drawer organized by categories
- Ready to use without special configurations.
- Support for Live Wallpaper and screens of different sizes.
- Support of set of icons for Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher

I like how quick and easy it is to navigate around the Smart Launcher Pro. You can tap on the side or the app launcher button to get to the app drawer. The automatic cataloging of the installed applications makes it so easy to find your applications. If ever you do find that one of the applications have been placed in the wrong category, transferring them around is as simple as dragging it to the appropriate category. 

It is also quite rare to find an alternative launcher that supports live wallpaper and this one does. The flower patterned quick buttons make it all the more attractive to look at. 

Overall, the Smart Launcher Pro is a must use launcher for those that are tired of the usual Android UI that has come with your phone. It's simple and yet elegant. It is also quite fast and easy to use. The amount of memory that is uses to work is even far less than what Samsung or HTC have come out with in terms of UI build. If you are still unsure though you can download their free version called the Smart Launcher and see for yourself if this is something that you would like to use on your Android Smartphone. I am confident that you'd like how it feels, and like many others that have used it will most likely be using it moving forward. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-