Hi everyone!

I’m happy to share my app, Octopi Launcher, which I’ve worked on for quite a while now.

Octopi Launcher is a launcher for Android, built with the latest trends in mind, which includes visual and haptic effects, and support for foldables.

Features:

  • App drawer, dock and homescreen
  • Different homescreen for different screen layout/ orientation/ size/ foldable position
  • Widgets and (autoscrolling) widget stacks
  • Blur for widget and dock background (experimental)
  • Home screen and app drawer folders
  • Fine/ free positioning of home screen apps and widgets
  • Big home screen icons
  • Swipe up/ down actions for icons
  • Display drawer items as icons or tiles (or single list); sort by installed date or updated date
  • App search + instant launch
  • Assign a nickname to an app for instant app search and launch (e.g. searching “ff” launches Firefox instantly)
  • Icon pack support
  • Wallpaper blur when opening app drawer (on supported devices)
  • Work profile support
  • Fun animations, reflections and haptic effects

Screenshot album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8xiXqSABV7Rhad139

Firstly, join the Google Group to gain access: https://groups.google.com/g/octopi-launcher-alpha-testers

Then, use this link to download the closed beta: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.otp.octopilauncher

I’d love to hear your feedback below, and have a nice day!

    • sabreW4K3@lazysoci.alEnglish
      2·
      8 months ago

      Initial thoughts: it would be nice if there was a screen where you could select apps for the dock on first launch.

      I like the different sorts in the drawer, but the launcher should remember your choice.

      Need swipe actions on apps, not being able to access my favourite chats in Telegram feels like a step back.

      Other than that. Very nice.

      • ock88@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        2·
        8 months ago

        Great suggestion on the “wizard”/ guide on first launch. The launcher starts a bit empty otherwise.

        As for the app sorting, is there a reason why you prefer a permanent sort choice (by date)?

        App shortcuts are definitely on my to-dos, and they will be supported as swipe/ gesture actions as well.

        • sabreW4K3@lazysoci.alEnglish
          1·
          8 months ago

          As for the app sorting, is there a reason why you prefer a permanent sort choice (by date)?

          No real reason.

          App shortcuts are definitely on my to-dos, and they will be supported as swipe/ gesture actions as well.

          I’ll keep an eye out.