Android Home Launcher Review Roundup: iOS / iPhone style Launchers (part of Android Home Launcher Review Series) ~ Android Tips

See all 9 photos

How many alternative Home Launchers Have you tried?

See results without voting

Introduction

The "home launcher" on an Android device can usually be replaced with an alternative launcher with different look and/or feature set, and I review them, as many of them as I can! This is one part of a series of Android Home Launcher Reviews, focusing on iOS style home launchers for Android OS.

Android implementation of iOS style launcher varies from an exact clone to merely something that was inspired by the iOS launcher but tries to mix in the Android metaphors. There should be something you like, if you prefer this style over the Android default style with the "app drawers"!

NOTE: I only review the free version of the launcher.

See all 9 photos

iHome

iHome, is one of the first Android "home" launchers that emulates the iOS launcher style. it is slow as molasses when it first launches. It has 3 static shortcuts in the bottom, permanently set to browser, contacts, and settings. You can also hit the search key, which will bring up T-9 style filters so you can find the apps faster. Else you have to scroll through however many screens you actually ended up having. No themes, no live wallpaper.

Download iHome from Appbrain

See all 9 photos

vLauncher

vLauncher basically takes the iPhone launcher idea to the Android. There's only multi-pane desktop, no app drawer. They added a pane or two for widgets (or you can remove them if you don't use widgets), and the standard dock with 4 shortcuts, but there's no doubt this is same idea as iOS launcher.

The problem is same as iHome... too many screens to scroll through. Thus, its slogan of "best launcher" is too much of a hyperbole.

Get vLauncher from AppBrain

See all 9 photos

My Home (free, $1.99)

My Home / My Home Lite is yet another iOS style launcher... Drag one app onto another app to make a folder, blah blah blah. It also has the horizontal scrolling and no app drawer. Author also added one screen just for widgets. As stated before, if you have like 100+ apps this can take a moment. latest version also added themes.

Check out My Home Lite on Appbrain

See all 9 photos

Espier Launcher

Espier Launcher is an EXACT CLONE of the iOS launcher. it even stole the Safari icon for browser. It's so close, Apple's lawyer should be calling them any day now. NOTE: App's in English, sorry about the screenshot as example) Stability has been a bit improved, but don't be too surprised if it crashes every once in a while.

Check out Espier Launcher on Appbrain

See all 9 photos

iLauncher

iLauncher, from iPhone Style Studio, is yet another iOS launcher clone, this one doing the iOS 6 UI almost down to the pixel. They even put in the lock screen (slide to unlock). On the other hand, the promised "themes" screen is empty, and wallpaper selection is a little thin (though there's an "online" button going to somewhere, probably China for download.

There are plenty of existing iOS icons for equivalent apps in Android, and it does a decent job of dressing up Android app icons to make them look like iOS app icons.

Other than that, it just looks nice, little else.

Download iLauncher through Google Play Store

See all 9 photos

iPhone 5 Launcher

Also known as "Real iPhone 5 Launcher" this is yet ANOTHER clone of iOS launcher, and seem to have a few more options than the other ones. However, it also includes some ads and points to some app downloads without being explicit. Give it a try, but don't be surprised if you get pop-ups asking for nice rating and such.

Download iPhone 5 Launcher via Google Play

See all 9 photos

MiHome (with MiLocker)

MIUI team took the launcher from the MIUI ROM, and made it a full featured launcher with themes so you can enjoy it without loading a full ROM.

The launcher uses the iPhone metaphor: apps are on screen unless grouped into folders) Run the theme app and it will download the themes but most are in Chinese. There's preview and download. They can make the phone more or less iPhone-like. The default MIUI theme is very iPhone-like.

The launcher also includes MIUI Locker that replaces your lockscreen, and it has its own themes and customization options.

The problem is this launcher was not stable on my test device: Motorola Droid Bionic. AND the performance is absolutely horrible. Your experience may vary.

Download MiHome (Android 2.3+) through Appbrain

See all 9 photos

360 iLauncher (free)

360 iLauncher from Qihoo of China is from the same people who brought you 360 Launcher Pro (i.e. 360 Desktop) This one is iOS style, while the other one is Android style. All the apps are either on the desktop or inside the "folders".

iLauncher has full skin and wallpaper support through 360's own download site, and many are free, though the good ones cost money. There is also Classify (auto), where the launcher classifies the apps for you into preset folders, such as System Tools, Games, and such, but the usefulness for that is debatable.

Another nifty feature (shared from that other 360 Launcher Pro) is the corner swipe menu.

If you like the iOS type launcher, and lives in China, this one is worth trying. Its utility outside of China is debatable.

Download 360 iLauncher through Google Play

Did you try any of these iOS style launchers?

See results without voting

Conclusion

If you really want an iOS experience (having just migrated from iOS) you can keep that by using Espier Launcher.

However, you should try vLauncher or some of the other style of Homescreen Launchers just to see what's out there. Switching back is easy (just uninstall one and you'll be asked to pick the new default).

You won't know what's missing until you try it.

More Tips About Android

Android Customize Guide: How Do You Change and Custo...
Complete Android Customization Guide, how to change wallpaper, ringtones, Custom ROM, Camera, Browser, boot animation, dialer/contacts, keyboard, themes, and more.
Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycom...
Google's Android division certainly has a sense of humor as it named all their version codenames after desserts. What are they? Find out here.
How to Convert My Videos Movies Formats from PC Comp...
Learn how video on Motorola Droid (and most Android phones) is limited, and how to convert videos on your desktop for use on your Android device with a free converter, and how to get it into your phone.
Android Game Shootout: Air Traffic Control Games (li...
Air Traffic Control games have been with Android a while. What are they? Which ones introduced new features? Which ones are most responsive? Find out here.

Test Review of 83 free Home Replacement Launcher Alternative
kschang.hubpages.com Smartphones Android Phones
Review of free home launcher replacements for Android devices. Which supports themes, live wallpapers, docks, shortcut bars, additional workspaces, previews, and/or ...
How to set up Lotus Notes android phone using lotus launcher
vinner.hubpages.com Technology Communications Smartphones
Using the free android app Lotus launcher, ... It is the remaining part after https: ... Android Home Launcher Review Roundup: iOS / iPhone style Launchers ...
Anyone using Launcher Pro or ADW? - Android Forums at ...
forums.androidcentral.com/samsung...anyone-using-launcher-pro-adw.html
I use Launcher Pro, ... On most 3rd party launchers you can choose things like how many row and columns for apps and widgets, ... Loaded iOS 7 on my iPhone 5 ...
[How Too] iOS on android phone (launcher) - Samsung Galaxy S ...
samsunggalaxysforums.com/.../6636-iOS-on-android-phone-(launcher)5 replies in thread
Its called ESPIER LAUNCHER. And the best part, its FREE!! ... iOS on android phone (launcher) ... if you want the folders then look for iPhone Style Folders.
10 Android Tablet Apps You Won't Find on iPad Android.AppStorm
android.appstorm.net/roundups/awesome-android-tablet-apps-you-wont...
Home; Reviews. Accessories; ... Apex Launcher Developer: Android Does Similar: ... A Full Microsoft Office Suite on Android; Keep Android and iOS in Sync, Part 4: ...
GO Launcher EX Review :: Android Rundown where you find
www.androidrundown.com/app-rundown/launcher-review
The launcher is a big part of the Android experience. ... iOS style. You can also drag ... iPhone app reviews and news. The best gosh darn iPhone app site this side ...
How to use Chrome iPhone Swipe, Bookmarks, Incognito Surfing
amuno.hubpages.com Technology Communications Smartphones
Make Your Own iPhone and Android Apps with Yapp the App Maker; Android Home Launcher Review Roundup: iOS / iPhone style Launchers (part of... Samsung
ICS apex / Go Launcher theme - 1.1 / Android FileDir.com
filedir.com Android Apps Personalization
ICS apex / Go Launcher theme / Android (By: ProArt) ... you must install the free home screen app "GO Launcher EX" and apply it. ... Video Review/installation ...
iPhone 5 Clone MT6589 1.6GHZ 64GB Android 4.1 Unboxing ...
localbizlists.com/iphone-5-clone-mt6589-1-6ghz-64gb-android-4-1...
Hi launcher Magic Shop Skin Android Smart Phone Custom Hack June 12, ... Android Smartphone HTC Evo V 4G: Review Part 1 June 10, 2013; ... iPhone 5s & iOS
Practical experience on the iPhone map app with AR-MAPS ...
beatstechnology.blogspot.com/2013/...experience-on-iphone-map-app.html
Jun 04, 2013 One of them is the mapping application was introduced on the Lumina series ... Applications, iOS, Iphone ... Optimized splay Launcher home screen on ...
iPhone 5 release date holdouts bypass iPhone 4S for style, 4G
iphone5prices.blogspot.com/2011/10/iphone-5-release-date-holdouts...
iPhone 5 release date holdouts bypass iPhone 4S for style, 4G LTE - Beatweek Magazine (Up to Date Technology iPhone 5)
anthonybrooks02: Apple rumored to release their own app-tracking ...
anthonybrooks02.blogspot.com/2012/06/apple-rumored-to-release...
Jun 10, 2012 British royal family announces iOS and Android ... OtterBox Reflex Series Case for iPhone 4S ... What Is an App Launcher? [What Is] Armor your iPhone
anthonybrooks02: What Is an App Launcher? [What Is]
anthonybrooks02.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-is-app-launcher-what-is.html
Jun 23, 2012 You wouldn't initially think it, but your phone's home screen is itself an app. It's an app that launches other appsan app launcher, if you will.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread Review: Better Than Fruitcake
gizmodo.com/5713374/android-23-gingerbread-review-better-than...
T-Mobile G1 Google Android Phone Review. ... 371 The Prettiest Way to Find Out What iOS 7 Features Your iPhone ... It was also known at launch that the Fascinate ...
thomastoler76: Pages for iPhone and iPad review
thomastoler76.blogspot.com/.../pages-for-iphone-and-ipad-review.html
Mar 20, 2012 Galileo iOS-controlled Robotic iPhone Holder; ... [Android App Review] GO Launcher HD hits the Google Play Store ... The Telegraph to launch new Android ...
Blu Dash 3.5 Dual-SIM Android for under $100 apk download
androidfree.us/2012/10/blu-dash-35-dual-sim-android-for-under.html
Blu Dash 3.5 Dual-SIM Android for under $100 apk download . ... (iPhone style) 2.1.0g ... fastest, most visually stunning edition of the famed Asphalt series.
www.nextmobilephones.com
www.nextmobilephones.com/search/boost-mobile-iphone-2013
Page 7 - Communications - Technology - HubPages.com
hubpages.com/topics/technology/communications/5364?page=7
It has never been easier to communicate with others than it is today. At least as far as technology is concerned. There are so many options in terms of phones and ...