Changing application icons - possible workaround?

[jayaustn]

So, I'm well-aware that the reason icons can't be changed easily on the Android home screen is because the icon image is stored in the APK file, and editing that image is, essentially, near impossible.

However, I had an idea that could potentially fix that problem, and I'm just curious how realistic the solution is:

As most G1 users know, AnyCut is a great application that can allow a user to create a shortcut to any number of actions on the phone. These shortcuts are customizable by name, and, for the time being, have a limited number of icons, one for each shortcut type.

Using this same methodology, wouldn't it be possible to create "shortcuts" to applications on the home screen, and thus, allow the user to rename apps and change their icons, at least on the desktop? I know that the icons would not be changed in the pull-out drawer or elsewhere on the system, but wouldn't this be a temporary workaround, until a better solution is reached? I have quite a few programs with horrendous icons, and it really takes away from the aesthetic of the home screen.

Again, all I'm asking is if there's a way to place a shortcut to an APK on the desktop, and preferably to customize that shortcut's icon, not the actual apps.

[jayaustn]

Actually, after some more exploring, I've realized that you can, in fact, rename apps' shortcuts on the home screen. And I recall using an app several months ago to change the icons of bookmarks (Bookmark 2, I believe it was called).

By combining these two applications, wouldn't an icon changer be quite possible?

[LazyGenius]

in theory it sounds good...

[jdwme]

but why would you do that when we have themes available?

[LGSilva]

I think the hole theme thing should be something like the summer board for the iphone.
Basically rewrite the home/desktop code so it will look for the icon in a theme folder and if it exists use it and if not then use the app's default icon.

[jayaustn]

but why would you do that when we have themes available?

Well, to my understanding, the themes have only been changing stock icons, as well as a few select apps. I'm not exactly sure if there is a way to change all apps' icons, but if there is, I haven't seen it in a theme yet.

Also, a problem with the theme solution is that, say, a new app comes onto the market today, and I'd like to give it an icon that fits nicely with the others. Rather than have to wait for the theme developer to make an icon for that particular app, I could just make a shortcut to it with one of my own.

[jdwme]

I think the hole theme thing should be something like the summer board for the iphone.
Basically rewrite the home/desktop code so it will look for the icon in a theme folder and if it exists use it and if not then use the app's default icon.

that would be awesome, I wish we could do something like that.

[jrdulog]

Actually, after some more exploring, I've realized that you can, in fact, rename apps' shortcuts on the home screen. And I recall using an app several months ago to change the icons of bookmarks (Bookmark 2, I believe it was called).

By combining these two applications, wouldn't an icon changer be quite possible?

How do you rename apps' shortcuts on the home screen?!

[jayaustn]

How do you rename apps' shortcuts on the home screen?!

Make a shortcut with AnyCut, and choose "Activity." Then, just scroll to the app you want to rename, press it, and a small box will come up with the app's icon and the app's name. At this point, you can rename the shortcut, and it'll appear that way on your home screen.

It's definitely useful when renaming applications like "ai ArtfulBits Minesweeper," to just "Minesweeper," or say, "fBook" to "Facebook," or "Pkt Auctions eBay" to "eBay."

[jayaustn]

that would be awesome, I wish we could do something like that.

So, do any developers know if something like this is actually possible?