AppsVideo

Z Launcher is the latest contextual launcher, and it’s made by Nokia (sort of)

23

Contextual homescreens — that is, home screens which aim to bring you the apps and info you need without you having to think about it — seem to be all the rage these days. Apparently there’s a huge need for these things and thankfully there’s no shortage of options. Introduce another one: Z Launcher. And the most interesting thing about it isn’t how it works, but rather who it’s made by.

This is Nokia’s creation, though it’s not quite the Nokia you’re thinking of (the one Microsoft paid X amount of dollars for). This is a different team that worked independently of Nokia’s core business over-the-years, and can be seen as forgotten, yet valuable remnants of the ordeal.

z launcher screens

So what does this launcher provide? An easy way to get to your apps. That’s it. Z Launcher learns your habits over time (like all other apps promise to do) and will attempt to serve up the app you need at the moment you need it. If it’s wrong, simply correct it by drawing the first letter of the app you want to use, and you should see the app you need appear in a list of possible candidates. You can also access your contacts and other items this way.

z launcher

The video above does a far better job of explaining it, as does giving it a spin for yourself. Simple. Effective. Interesting. And Nokia. We’re not sure this is going to become the next big thing, but it could be a very nice app for folks who don’t need widget and folder-infested home-screens. You can sign up for the beta right here if you want to give it a spin.

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

Dalvik runtime will officially be replaced by ART in the next version of Android

Previous article

LG G3 Review

Next article

You may also like

23 Comments

  1. PreBeta is closed now, APK anyone?

    1. me tooooo! :) I found it with a google search.

    2. You should check twitter. See if it is what you are looking for.

  2. Yeah! Gosh!

    I was too late too!

    Please share the apk please.

  3. I have an mega link for the apk file but i’m not sure if the mods approve of posting links

    1. I think your Google account has to be approved too. So I’m not sure a APK would work.

  4. The download button in the link doesn’t seem to be working :(

  5. I have just gotten the apk! (download from a link).

    I will try to install it to see if it works without the Google+’s approval.

  6. Does not currently support rooted devices :(

    1. That seems amateur. Oh well…

  7. I’ve been toying around with it since lunch. It’s a good concept. Not sure if I’ll keep it as my default launcher yet.

  8. Okay! The apk works on my LG G Pro 2. (Not rooted) :)

    It even allows the Updates check. :)

    [URL=http://s1023.photobucket.com/user/kelvinti/media/Screenshot_2014-06-20-02-08-06_zpsuvz5icw7.png.html][IMG]http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/kelvinti/Screenshot_2014-06-20-02-08-06_zpsuvz5icw7.png[/IMG][/URL]

    1. may you share apk of z launcher?

      1. yes please;

  9. please share the apk

  10. I’m not sure if it is allowed to post the apk link here to share?

    Admin/mod, please advise!!

    Thanks.

  11. When you use the application, it creates a “ZLauncher” account. My assumption from this action is that it requires the google+ account. I can remove the app and try to add it back if you guys would like. It it works and doesnt use the Google+ account, I will gladly provide it.

    1. If I remove the Google+ account from my phone and load it back up, it still functions. I have not done any additional research, however.

  12. do a google search, you’ll find it.

  13. I was using one, but the only issue I have is with multiple workplaces. There’s no option for that. I don’t know… I just need a bit more options to tailor things to me. As far as I know, I still have to do it the manual way where I have different phone profiles and I choose one based on where I’m at or what I’m doing, (like at home, but sleeping)

    1. Llama could possibly help with that. If not there are other major location aware apps that could make the adjustment.

  14. Here’s the link!

    https://www.zlauncher.com/down

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Apps