Application Type: Launcher
Minimum SDK:22
32bit Support: Yes
64bit Support: Yes
Development Stage: Alpha
Hello everyone, Im here to share & get some feedback on a Project that ive been working on. It is no were from being complete or in its current state available for ota updates through google play so figured creating and maintaining a new thread here would be my best bet. So, here's a little information on my Launcher Project...
Background Story: I began development on Sapphire UI a little over a year ago,
link. It's purpose was to be an all exclusive launcher built based on HTC Sense's firmware (Version 6 at the time) and provide HTC device owners a new approach in managing their applications on their device, provide helpful backdoors to managing their device and information and be built on an innovative user interface based on Sense. Well things were looking great, untill HTC updated to Sense7. I had 2 options; ditch the api for Sense6 that rom devs were using and create my own based on HTCs code for Sense7 using smalli injection methods and maintain the API through firmware updates or convert the launcher to full AOSP and just keep the lock in the manifest for HTC devices. Ultimately, I lost interest all together because an AOSP app exclusively for a Sense rom just looked like crap and maintaining a homebrew sense api insided an app based on firmware that could update at any time was way to much work for me atm soooo, I got some feedback from my legacy users on the google plus group, took a long break and decided to rebuild the launcher exclusively for Android 5. I should mention, just because my HTC followers were so greatful to have follow the project, I am adding some exclusive features for them.
Development: The Launcher is very bare bones right now and according to my Alpha testers, it feels like Google Now Launcher w/o the Now extension. My goal is to create a materialized launcher for Android5+ with improved security/privacy, improved overall performance, helpful additional features to maintain apps and shortcuts, maintain and monitor your device, integrated profile support using google api, connect to google plus for sharing and posting features. Basically in a nut shell, create a user friendly oober google launcher. I am not interested in creating a customize-able launcher as hundreds of them exist. I am interested in creating a unique launcher that fits a user that doesn't exist yet but offering features based on concepts of existence rebuilt to our needs. This launcher is based on the recent svn branch code of Google's Launcher3 for AOSP and some improved layouts and design xml by CyanogenMod as well. Eventually, Id like to make this launcher Open Source for rom devs but that depends on how development goes and what users think of the concept. Who knows, maybe this launcher will one day become a thing in your favorite launcher.
Features: (Will vary throughout updates in Alpha Testing)
-Original AOSP Launcher3 interface
-LongClick on workspace to access context menu
-HTC Sense6 & Sense7 Prism widgets supported (If your oem widgets only appear on their launcher and would like to see support for your oem, contact me)
-Sapphire Dashboard (Highly experimental and Work in Progress)
-Sapphire Dashboard Cards (Similar to Google Now Cards but built to maintain and manage your device and information. May create an api like CyanogenMods CMhome in the future)
-Dashboard Drawer Navigation Settings (Launcher settings can be accessed through dashboard, maintain svn updates in preferences)
-Dependable Performance
-Materialized Interface
-Voice Recognition for Google Now
-Google Now Search Bar (Not sure if il make my own widget or not yet, depends on google terms of service)
Feedback: I enjoy feedback however negative comments keep to yourself. I want a clean thread. If you want to trash talk on Google Plus or Twitter, go for it. I am looking for interest in Card ideas as well.
Updates: I usually code on the weekend nights so OTA updates will never be on time or dated. Do not ask for updates either.
Linkss:
Google Play (Deprecated, for Sense 6 devices only at this time):
PlayGoogle Play Donation Key(For users who would like to donate):
DownloadGoogle Drive(Maintained, download link also in launcher preferences):
DownloadGoogle Plus Community:
Link
