Android has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to launchers though some have managed to rise above the rest because of their features and polish. One that has made a lasting impression on us in our earlier comparison test is Action Launcher, which has just reached that iconic 2.0 version, with an interesting new feature and a free download to boot.
One thing that could probably describe the philosophy behind Action Launcher is that it tries to give users quick access to features with as little taps or swipes as possible. Quicksearch lets you search apps, contacts, and others from the action bar, without having to open up a dedicated search app or tool. Covers and Shutters redefine how folder shortcuts work, letting users launch an app, open a folder, or display the app’s widget with a single tap or swipe gesture. Action Launcher also eschews the traditional app drawer convention and instead offers Quickdrawer, which presents an apps and widgets panel on the left that only covers part of the homescreen.
As demonstrated in a previous teaser, this latest version Action Launcher takes this element of quickness to the next level with two important features. Quickpage is somewhat like Quickdrawer, except that it slides from the right of the screen and that it practically functions as an extra homescreen where you can place widgets, shortcuts, covers, and shutters. But what makes it and Quickdrawer shine is 1-Swipe, a feature that lets users bring up Quickdrawer or Quickpage by swiping from the appropriate side within any app or page that is displayed. It even works when using a different launcher. It should be noted, however, that both 1-Swipe and Quickpage are marked as still in Beta. There are other new features as well, such as the addition of translucent bars for those running Android 4.4. These changes, as well as bug fixes, can be found in the release notes here. Here’s the rundown of some of the new features of Action Launcher 2.0.
Those who haven’t been able to try out Action Launcher because of the price can now do so as developer Chris Lacy has provided a limited free version for that purpose. The paid pro version still remains for those who want to unlock the launcher’s full potential and also support development efforts. In celebration of the 2.0 release, Action Launcher Pro is available at $1.99, a 50% discount, for a limited time only.
Download: Action Launcher (Free), (Pro) on Google Play Store
SOURCE: +Chris Lacy
Wow! Widgets one swipe away from any screen. Have to grab the free version and give it a test drive…
Would somebody who uses Action Launcher explain how it’s better than using a regular launcher (default, Apex, nova, etc) with a swipe-out apps/widget/shortcuts panel like SideBar Plus, etc?
The 1 Swipe is only one feature of Action Launcher. It has quite a few things that I couldn’t live without that other launchers don’t, like shutters and covers.
Shutters and covers are very handy! Also, although it took me a while to get used to the Quickdrawer, it’s now something I can’t live without.
Just added 1-Swipe, which sounds epic, but only time will tell just how epic it ends up being.
Thanks, guys. I purchased it based on your recommendations. I’ll check it out over the next week or so.
AFAICT, Quickdrawer and Quickpage are directly replaceable by apps like SideBar. … and Covers looks like something I already do in FolderOrganizer/SideBar. Shutters look interesting though…
It doesn’t look like there’s anything really “new-new” (except Shutters). Almost all the features seem to be available in other apps. What’s compelling to me is that if Action Launcher brings them all together in one app – then the memory footprint could be much smaller.
i know their benefits and how to use it for Longtime.
Would have bought the pro without even trying the free version. Then saw that if required permission for full internet access. As a rule, applications that don’t need intensity top work should not ask for this permission. This opens up the potential backdoor for page of information.