Customization is a quality that is generally accepted with open arms from fans of the mobile industry. In recent years, our smartphones have continually evolved. And with the rise of the open source-like operating system that we know as Android, developers and users continue to push the smartphone customization envelope.
For my latest review I took some time to check out Solo Launcher, one of the latest third-party launchers available on the Google Play Store. I was seeking a new option to personalize my daily driver, the LG Nexus 5. Here’s what I found.
I really like to use a phone as it is out of the box. Sure, I’ve downloaded different launchers here and there, but generally I buy and use my phone because of what it offers within its own package. That said, the fact that Solo Launcher is easy to use makes a difference for a user like myself.
Once downloaded and installed, Solo Launcher shows a few tutorial pages and then gets you right into the fun of customization. Your homepage is transformed into a near-blank canvas with only a few shortcuts to guide you in customizing your device.
The setup is easy and fun. Solo Launcher offers the user countless customization options, including icon and app size, the number of app rows, color and theme options and to app open and close animations. Solo Launcher is a complete package, even including suggestions for downloading new and updated themes.
The fact that Solo Launcher offers a so many customization options is great, but really, any custom launcher should offer that to the user. Where Solo Launcher really shines is how fast and reliable the system runs during installation and during use. Solo keeps its load light by simply suggesting downloadable items and not actually including them with its initial install.
I find that most of the troubles with launchers that I’ve used in the past come from a confusing set of tools and settings menus. Solo Launcher has made the switch to a third-party launcher incredibly easy, and customizing my device has become my latest addiction. Like I said, I don’t use third-party launchers very often, but Solo Launcher may find permanent home on my device.
The Wrap-up
The Good: Solo Launcher is easy to use, has a ton of great customization options and just performs well.
The Bad: While Solo Launcher is kept light by omitting a number of themes from its initial install, some users may find the process of downloading new themes as a negative.
The Verdict: Solo Launcher is a great option for Android users that want more customization options but don't want to waste a ton of time figuring out how to use launcher settings. The app doesn’t require any kind of root and it’s completely free on Google Play for Android devices running 4.0 and up. Really ,you can’t ask for an easier way to give your phone the personality that you want. Download Solo Launcher and let us know what you think!
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