Z Launcher

Last updated
Z Launcher
Developer(s) Nokia
Initial releaseJune 19, 2014;10 years ago (2014-06-19)
Operating system Android
Platform Android
Type Graphical user interface

Z Launcher is an application launcher for Android, created by Nokia. The interface adapts to the user's habitations by predicting six apps, contact actions or web links the user is most likely going to use, depending factors such as time of day, location, and past user behavior and then displays them on the homescreen and changing them when necessary. It also allows the user to scribble a letter on the home screen to launch apps. [1] [2]

Contents

The launcher was first announced in June 2014, shortly after the sale of Nokia's mobile phone division to Microsoft. It was on Google Play but updates were halted in 2016 [3] and it was removed from the Google Play Store in 2018.

In November 2014 Nokia announced the N1 tablet for the Chinese market, which comes with Z Launcher as default. [4]

Alternative There are new apps trying to recreate the scribble feature. Top two suggestions are : ReZ launcher and AUG Launcher.

Reception

Z Launcher has been highly praised as one of Android's best launchers. [5] A Pocket Lint review said it is "fun and different" compared to other launchers, [6] whereas BGR called it "shockingly innovative". [7]

See also

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References

  1. "Hands on with the Nokia Z Launcher". 19 June 2014.
  2. "Z Launcher: A breath of fresh air in the world of Android". 4 January 2016.
  3. "Nokia: Z Launcher remains in beta. No updates planned right now". 19 January 2017.
  4. Byrne, Katharine (19 August 2015). "Nokia N1 review - too good for the UK?". expertreviews.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-05-30.
  5. "Review- Z Launcher for Android by Nokia - Gravis Ludus". gravisludus.com.
  6. "Z Launcher Beta for Android: Nokia may be onto a winner - Pocket-lint". www.pocket-lint.com. 18 November 2014.
  7. Epstein, Zach (19 June 2014). "Nokia reborn: Nokia's new Android launcher is wonderfully simple and shockingly innovative".