Hi Launcher - Free Android Launcher

A New Contender in the Android Launcher Space: Hi Launcher

For a considerable period, the Android launcher market – encompassing apps designed to replace the default home screen – has been dominated by established players such as ADW Launcher, Go Launcher EX, and LauncherPro.

However, a key strength of the Android operating system lies in its open nature, fostering a competitive environment for developers.

This article will examine a rising competitor, Hi Launcher, a freely available launcher compatible with Android 2.1 and later versions.

Gaining Traction: User Reception and Downloads

While not yet widely recognized, Hi Launcher has garnered significant positive feedback. It currently boasts a 4.5-star average rating based on 929 user reviews.

Furthermore, the application has surpassed 100,000 installations, indicating growing user interest and establishing it as a launcher deserving of attention.

Distinctive Features of Hi Launcher

Hi Launcher differentiates itself from its rivals in several key aspects.

It presents a unique approach to customization and user experience, setting it apart from more conventional launcher options.

These distinctions contribute to its increasing popularity within the Android community.

Initial Setup and Core Features

Upon the initial launch of Hi Launcher, users are guided through a concise, six-step introductory presentation. A key element highlighted within this tutorial is the Groups feature, representing a notably unique and beneficial aspect of the Hi Launcher user experience. Let's now examine the launcher's interface itself.

Layout and Organization

While the specific aesthetic of the displayed theme might not appeal to all users, the fundamental differences in layout are immediately apparent. The upper portion of the screen is dedicated to widgets, while the lower half houses applications, organized into distinct groups.

These represent two entirely independent sections, each capable of being scrolled separately.

Independent Scrolling

The screenshot illustrates the top section being scrolled, revealing the clock and memory widget transitioning to the search widget. Crucially, the bottom section remained static, displaying the 'Games' group during this action.

In essence, the primary distinctions lie in the separation of widget and app icon areas, alongside the integrated app grouping functionality. This app grouping capability is a valuable addition, mirroring features found in newer launchers like Sweeter Home.

App Grouping and Categorization

Given that many other launchers lack this feature, Hi Launcher provides assistance in organizing applications. It facilitates the categorization of apps:

Although some apps are pre-categorized, the extent of this auto-categorization is currently limited. Auto App Organizer currently demonstrates more comprehensive automatic categorization capabilities.

Themes and Customization

Like many launchers, Hi Launcher supports themes and incorporates a built-in marketplace for accessing them.

Theme Marketplace Issues

The marketplace also offers wallpapers and a selection of widget skins, though these are relatively unremarkable. A less polished aspect of the app is evident in the loading issues with theme thumbnails.

Despite repeated attempts to refresh and retry, the thumbnails failed to load on the test device. Fortunately, this appears to be an intermittent problem; most themes did display thumbnails, and full-screen previews are available to visualize themes before application.

Dynamic Theme Previews

One theme stood out due to its use of a two-state image, showcasing its appearance with the bottom menu both open and closed. The image automatically alternated, providing a useful preview.

After applying the theme, the resulting appearance on the device was as expected.

User-Created Categories

A new category was created specifically for camera applications. The process of category creation was straightforward, and adding applications to it involved simple drag-and-drop functionality.

Key Distinctions of Hi Launcher

The image above showcases the Group Management interface. This represents one of the two primary differentiators between Hi Launcher and its competitors: Groups.

The second significant difference lies in the launcher’s novel split home screen configuration. This design features distinct, independently scrollable sections, a feature that is particularly appealing.

Areas for Enhancement

Currently, the available themes require further development to achieve the polished visual appeal found in launchers like Go Launcher.

Furthermore, the animations could benefit from increased speed to enhance the overall user experience.

Innovative Features

Despite these areas for improvement, Hi Launcher presents a pair of compelling innovations. It is hoped that these features will be adopted by other launcher developers.

We encourage readers to share their opinions on Hi Launcher in the comments section. Please also indicate if you have a preference for alternative launcher applications.

Consider exploring other options and comparing their functionalities to determine the best fit for your needs.