Replacement for Launcher III Coming Soon

Posted By: Ed Thursday, January 31, 2002 8:12:20 AM

While the Palm OS is very popular, its built-in application launcher is somewhat less so. This has led to a the creation of a whole collection of Launcher replacements.

The one garnering the most attention lately is Launcher X, which is the replacement for the popular Launcher III. It allows the user to install skins that change not only the look but also the behavior of the launcher. It offers hi-res support for Sony and HandEra devices. It isn't available yet, however.

Launcher X allows the user to classify applications into tabbed categories, though this isn't a requirement. Like its predecessor, it works with VFS expansion memory cards. It still has the "Gadgets" from Launcher III but adds new ones.

Of course, Launcher X offers a more attractive interface than the standard one; that's almost a requirement for a successful Launcher replacement, though more functionality is important, too. So far, it appears Launcher X will be able to deliver both.

The developer is offering a sneak peek at the application now, though not very much information is available. A release date hasn't been announced yet.

Thanks to BMari20007 and nXt for the tips. -Ed

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Juicy

sandbuck @ 1/31/2002 8:29:37 AM #
Looks good enough to eat!

Can't live without Launcher III

TDS @ 1/31/2002 8:53:57 AM #
Launcher III is one of the best Apps for the Palm OS. It is not as pretty as Megalauncher or Silverscreen, but it seems faster and works better with VFS.
I do hope that adding all of the fancy graphics features does not slow it down to much.

RE: Can't live without Launcher III
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 9:22:32 AM #
ML and SS are slow beause they haven't gotten on the "don't refresh every time" cluetrain. You have to add the screen draw time for all them pretty graphics to the wait time for the OS to look for the available apps.

RE: Can't live without Launcher III
Quik_Fix @ 1/31/2002 8:21:27 PM #
Are you sure about that? I don't have any delay on ML unless I remove the card and re-insert it. On the average day, it pops right up; no refresh.

...In accordance with the prophecy...

Quik_Fix
quikfix@hotmail.com

I love Hi-Res , I love Laucher X

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 8:59:33 AM #
I cannot wait to see it.

Wow!

I.M. @ 1/31/2002 9:34:20 AM #
Hey, what are you trying to do, make every other Palm OS application interface look like crap?

Uh... Is there more?

Mojo @ 1/31/2002 9:53:31 AM #
Dunno if I am missing something but, is there more of a sneak preview? All I get is the one shot and then a page with a semi translucent dark sheet peeled slightly back to see a corner of a screen.

WHile the one shot is nice, what can be done? What is clickable? what can I alter? Do the icons resive or is that the final scale? Or is it a one trick pony show here?

A lot of sites are pushing this story, but I don't see the meat yet. And I won't let myself get excited by anymore vapor. When is the release?

Is there a way we can get anymore info? Screen Shots? Release dates? Cost? Call me jaded but this industry has pretty much made me so. PSSSST the new palm is coming...

(note: I am not attacking the company, but the practice of leaking/hyping of a product.)

RE: Uh... Is there more?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 10:05:32 AM #
Yeah....often, hypes can lead to dissappointments.

RE: Uh... Is there more?
markpmc @ 1/31/2002 10:10:08 AM #
Did you get the part about "buy LIII now and upgrade to LX later"? Using rumors and speculation to boost revenue, an american software company would never....

markpmc

RE: Uh... Is there more?
frox @ 1/31/2002 10:10:41 AM #
>Yeah....often, hypes can lead to dissappointments.

Or surprise.

RE: Uh... Is there more?
Scott @ 1/31/2002 10:13:26 AM #
He stole that sneak peek "curled over page" idea from something. I can't remember what. Anyone remember? Nice bit of hype and good graphic design. One other question: What's up with the company logo? Is it my imagination or is that a child sitting "on the potty"?

Scott

RE: Uh... Is there more?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 10:17:10 AM #
The idea is probably from handera.

If you were using Opera, you could just zoom in on the shaded part and get an idea of what is going to be available.

I for one have enough trust in Benc, maker of Launcher III ( http://www.benc.hr/lnchiii.htm ) to believe that LanucherX will kill.

As for the Little Mobile Creations logo, looks like a coffee cup. Me, I think a chair is more comfortable ;)

RE: Uh... Is there more?
mikecane @ 1/31/2002 10:18:24 AM #
That curled page has been used on several sites. Apple and HandEra among them.

RE: Uh... Is there more?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 10:57:55 AM #
yeah... but strangely enough, it's the same effect that's being used at pocketsensei.com over the Silverscreen screenshots...

RE: Uh... Is there more?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 11:13:33 AM #
Check out nXt's Yahoo group...there is a post the relays a communication from the author. Gives you a little more insight into the new Launcher.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nXtClieClub/message/6573

RE: Uh... Is there more?
volcanopele @ 1/31/2002 1:59:04 PM #
On the webpage design, he didn't create it. The site is registered to a web design company out of New Zealand called Snapper Solutions. This is the same company that created the Cutting Edge Sofware, Blue Nomad, Fine Print, and Actual Software sites.

Jason

RE: Uh... Is there more?
I.M. Anonymous @ 3/15/2002 5:02:15 AM #
Not only that, but the toolbar color and art scheme, plus corner arrow are taken directly from SilverScreen and the left-side Tabs seem remniscent of MegaLauncher. Is this a giant hoax?

A little more info

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 11:41:43 AM #
I haven't been able to access the yahoo groups post, so this includes none of that information. However, you can get some more info from just what's on the launcher site at a page I created here:

http://www.transientweb.com/demo/launcherx.html

this includes most of the text that is hidden in the sneak preview graphic, and clarifies the sneak preview image.

RE: A little more info
volcanopele @ 1/31/2002 1:46:29 PM #
Here is some additional information:

Homer Button
Instant access to your favorite and most-used apps, featuring our Smart Select (TM) Technology, Homer makes a guess at which app you will want from analyzing your usage history.

This button is located at the bottom left and looks very much like McPhling. The refresh button is in at the top center and refreshes the apps. The gadget bar is collapsable using the button at the bottom right. All the old gadgets are there. No additional ones.

Jason

RE: A little more info
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/11/2002 3:54:39 PM #
Okay, it has been over a week or so now since the nice teaser for Launcher X. But lets get a move on. Although I am interested in what it can offer, I won't be too interested in another few weeks. I already own Siverscreen (just updated today to support Palm OS 5)and personally don't feel like buying Launcher III even if it will be cheaper.

How much?
When will it be out?
How many skin choices?
When will it be out?

Lets get moving.

VFS Support

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 3:21:25 PM #
What's the situation with VFS support? Will Launcher X have the ability to work with 'read and write' databases stored on the card? Specifically, apps such as Quickoffice which can have some large database files which I'd like to be able to easily retrieve, modify & re-store on the memory stick. Will the conduits for Quickoffice (read and write database) or AvantGo (read only database) be able to easily synch with these databases?

Am I the only one?

Edward @ 1/31/2002 6:00:05 PM #
Am I the only one that doesn't get excited about new application launchers? I have tried several, but have always come away feeling that they offered too little for too much space. The only thing that has stuck is Sony's HiRes update.

Maybe its becuase I use small hacks and DA's to do the same things as the launchers. I do use PowerRun for games, but nowerdays if a major application doesn't support VFS I won't part with the cash, so that side of the launchers doesn't thrill me either.

I'm open to be convinced tho'

RE: Am I the only one?
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 9:36:23 PM #
What's the hi-res update?

Hi-Res Update
Mojo @ 2/1/2002 9:13:30 AM #
The previous author may have been refering to the new icon settings found in the t-series. Instead of the normal icon and list settings, it has an icon (small) and a list (small).

The short is that it reduces the size of the icons by a good amount but does not reduce them as far as some of the other launchers. It is a good compromise.

You can install it on the N-series (7xx, 6xx). I know of one place to get the link and that is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nXtClieClub/files/-Launchers/ you are looking for a file called, HiResDefaultLauncher.zip

Once installed go to the normal options and select icon(small). It fits more icons on the screen and removes the blocky look. Make sure to leave nXt a note saying thanks for collecting this all for us.

RE: Am I the only one?
Edward @ 2/1/2002 10:24:32 AM #
Thanks Mojo ... beat me to posting the nXt link!

One of the great things about the Palm OS comunity is that you can achieve the same goals using different software. Some people like Launchers, others use Hacks and DA's.

Launcher X: Please fix clie jog button

I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 10:20:21 PM #
Hello,
The currenty launcher doesn't allow one to remap the jog button dials to use it as a track forward/backward button.
just to increase volume.
it's a weird thing.

hope launcher x fixes that.

i'd also like to be able to remap hardware buttons in audio player as well, to play, pause, etc, a la pocket pc.

Thanks!

More Picture from TPUG.org
I.M. Anonymous @ 1/31/2002 11:51:57 PM #

http://www.tpug.org/news/LanuncherX/LaunX.gif

see yah.

Not free, eh?

abischof @ 2/1/2002 12:47:36 PM #
It looks pretty -- no doubt about that -- but, if it's not freeware, it's no good to me. Can anyone recommend a good freeware launcher?

I currently use Launcher III, and I'd rather not spend yet-more money on my Palm ;).

--Alex

RE: Not free, eh?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/1/2002 2:12:40 PM #
I believe the newest version of Launcher III is not freeware but shareware. If you use it- don't forget the author!

Launcher III rocks - I can't wait for HiRes support for my Handera.

RE: Not free, eh?
bradleyboy @ 2/4/2002 4:26:18 PM #
Of course, you are in your rights to not want to pay for any enhancements for your Palm. As you say, you have spent a good deal on it already. I do, recall, however, something about there being no such thing as a free lunch. Benc makes a great product, one that so many people feel is worth their 10 bucks. I will be happy to pay because it's worth it to me, and I don't expect anyone to write code for me gratis.

Peace,

bradleyboy

RE: Not free, eh?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/4/2002 4:39:16 PM #
Is $10 gonna kill you?

We should help support these people. I can't wait for this... hi-res support for my HandEra 330! I'm a current user of Launch'Em 3.x.


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