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ZDNET key takeaways
- AIO Launcher is an information-centric Android launcher.
- It's minimal, but can also be maximal.
- AIO Launcher is free, or there's a Premium version.
I've tested so many Android launchers that they eventually started looking similar. Many of these tools were variations on a worn-out theme, and on occasion one would rise above the rest (as was the case with Octopi Launcher).
But every once in a while, I long for a launcher that gives me a minimalist feel, without stripping away the entire feature set. I've searched high and low for such a launcher. It took me long enough, but I finally found what I've been looking for: AIO Launcher.
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The official website describes AIO Launcher as such:
AIO Launcher is not an ordinary home screen. It does not have colorful icons, excessive animation, or a wide variety of themes. Instead, AIO Launcher uses screen space to show you the most important information.
I would add that AIO Launcher also shows you information in a pretty cool way. And although the tool might not have an abundance of themes, what it does have is as good-looking as any theme on any Android launcher I've used.
So long as you deem minimal as good-looking (as I do).
What is AIO Launcher?
This is one unique and groovy launcher.
Imagine if instead of having the typical app drawer, notification, shade, and icons on your home launcher, you were presented with information (such as storage space and battery percentage) and quick access to features you need, such as timers, frequent apps, your mailbox, tasks, news feed, calendar, and more.
With AIO Launcher, all that information is at your fingertips (or thumb, if you use your device one-handed). This launcher is ideal for those who want their home screen to be more informative than simplistic.
Even after only a few minutes using AIO Launcher, I decided it had to be my default (after only having purchased the full version of Octopi Launcher a couple of weeks ago).
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The difference between AIO Launcher and more standard launchers is that AIO is focused more on accessing information and less on apps. To that end, you can't pin apps to the home screen. You can, however, swipe left or right within the Frequent apps widget to view categories, such as Social & Communication and Productivity.
A full list of installed apps can be accessed by swiping right from the left edge of the display.
Instead of an app drawer, you have an app sidebar.
You can also open the phone dialer right on the home screen, which is a handy feature (so long as you know the phone number you're calling).
This dialer comes in handy when you know the phone number you need to dial.
Also, you can access a widget's options by swiping the widget to the right. Tap the gear icon in the menu that appears and configure the widget as needed.
From that same menu, you can remove a widget that you don't want.
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You even get access to Quick Tiles, which are listed under Control Panel. I love this feature because I can quickly swipe with my thumb and tap the Flashlight icon to turn it on.
This launcher gets better and better.
The only thing I've yet to do is connect AIO Launcher to my Google account. I want to make sure I can trust the launcher enough before I make that leap.
Custom widgets
Another cool feature is the ability to create your own widgets via scripts. Before you get too excited, this feature is really only for advanced users who also know how to script in LUA.
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Trust me, you won't be diving into creating your own scripts any time soon (unless you're a developer). However, you can select to add widgets from the list of pre-written scripts and even peruse the script store to find more.
As well, you can add a script, open its menu (with a right swipe), and then use AI to refine the script. That's impressive. For example, I added the dice-roll script (which presented two ten-sided dice) and then used AI to refine it for Dungeons & Dragons.
My script is ready to run.
How fun is that?
Who is AIO Launcher for?
If you prefer traditional Android Launchers, you will not like AIO Launcher. However, if you're looking for something different that puts information and customization front and center, you should try this launcher.
The tool is about as unique a home launcher as you'll find on Android, and one of the coolest. It's also one of the best launchers on the market for one-handed usage.
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So, if you like information, prefer a more unique look to your home screen, and typically use your phone with one hand, AIO Launcher is the one to have.
By the way, I also tested AIO Launcher on an Android tablet, and it's just as good.
With a larger screen, you don't have to swipe to access the app list.
You can install AIO Launcher from the Google Play Store and use it for free. However, for a one-time $12.99 purchase, you get the Premium version, which adds UI fine-tuning, icon pack support, different icon shapes, font selection, multiple My Apps widgets, multiple Mail widgets, a Telegram widget, a Finance widget, gesture and action buttons, cloud sync, and cloud backup.
Give AIO Launcher a try. You won't regret it.
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