Android Makeover: Transform Your Phone's Look - iPhone, Blackberry & More

The Divisive World of Mobile Operating Systems

A noticeable division often exists amongst mobile users. Preferences lean towards operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows Phone, or Blackberry, and this choice frequently shapes perceptions.

It’s common to form distinct opinions about users based on their chosen OS. A favored operating system can lead to difficulty understanding why others would opt for a different platform.

Ending the OS Wars

This fragmentation of preference is something that deserves to be challenged. Wouldn't it be better if we could all coexist peacefully within the mobile landscape?

Fortunately, Android offers a unique path towards unity. Its extensive customization options, through launchers and themes, allow for remarkable versatility.

Transforming Your Android Device

The goal is simple: to achieve political correctness by visually altering your Android device. You can effectively disguise it to resemble an iOS device, a Windows Phone, a Blackberry, or even other interesting operating systems.

This process is surprisingly straightforward, can yield impressive results, and provides an entertaining way to gauge your friends’ reactions.

However, proceed with caution! Some individuals may react strongly to such playful deception.

How to Customize

• Launchers: These replace your home screen and app drawer, providing a new look and feel.
• Themes: Themes alter icons, colors, and other visual elements throughout the system.
• Icon Packs: Specifically change the appearance of your app icons.

With these tools, you can convincingly mimic the interface of other mobile platforms. The possibilities are vast and limited only by your imagination.

Ultimately, this isn't about declaring superiority for one OS over another. It’s about demonstrating the flexibility of Android and having a little fun along the way.

iOS 1 Inspired Experience: Espier Launcher for Android [2.1+]

For Android users desiring the visual aesthetic of iOS, particularly concerning icons, folders, the application switcher, and search functionality, Espier Launcher presents a compelling solution.

While the core Android operating system remains intact – excluding the home screen – this launcher effectively mimics the iOS interface, potentially misleading acquaintances.

Key Features

• Folder creation mirrors the iOS method.
• A dedicated App Switcher tray replicates the iOS experience.
• Icons are transformed to resemble their iOS counterparts.
• An iOS Settings icon is automatically added to the home screen, linking to the device’s settings.

Users running Android 2.1 should download Espier Launcher 2.1. Those with Android 2.2 or later versions can opt for the standard version of the launcher.

In essence: This launcher provides a blend of Android functionality with the visual characteristics of iOS.

The application offers a significant visual overhaul, focusing on elements that define the iOS user interface.

It’s a straightforward method to achieve an iOS-like appearance on an Android device without requiring a complete operating system change.

iOS 2: Fake iPhone 5 [Android 2.1+]

The Fake iPhone 5 application, alongside its predecessor Fake iPhone 4S (compatible with Android 2.0 and later), prioritizes visual similarity to iOS. While not offering the same breadth of functionality as Espier, it excels in replicating the iOS aesthetic.

Key Features and Differences

Unlike Espier, this launcher automatically alters your device’s wallpaper. Users retain the option to revert to a preferred background image if desired.

The application populates your homescreen with a comprehensive collection of icons mirroring those found in iOS 6.

Despite the iOS-inspired interface, the Maps function continues to utilize Google Maps for navigation.

However, users should be aware that certain icons, such as “Passbook,” function as prompts to download additional applications.

Limitations

Currently, the Fake iPhone 5 launcher does not support the creation of folders for organizing applications.

Furthermore, it lacks a dedicated App Switcher tray for quick access to recently used apps.

Overall Assessment

Bottom line: While it may not possess the extensive feature set of Espier, this launcher effectively achieves a convincing iOS visual experience. It is particularly well-suited for users who aim to playfully mislead their acquaintances.

Windows Phone 7: Launcher 7 [Android 2.1] [No Longer Available]

Are you dissatisfied with iOS and curious about the Windows Phone experience? It is possible to transform your Android device to resemble Windows Phone 7.

While Windows Phone 8 has been released, this application provides a Windows Phone 7 aesthetic. Launcher 7 is a polished and adaptable launcher designed to visually replicate the Windows Phone interface, at least initially.

Initial Setup and Customization

Upon the first execution of the application, users are presented with an opportunity to select their preferred primary tiles. These tiles can be subsequently added, removed, and adjusted in both size and color.

The application faithfully reproduces the Windows Phone 7 navigation system. However, the presence of advertisements may reveal the application's true nature.

Ad Removal

For an uninterrupted experience, advertisements can be eliminated with a one-time purchase of $1.99.

Key Features

• Transforms your Android device’s appearance to mimic Windows Phone 7.
• Offers customizable tiles, allowing for adjustments to size and color.
• Provides a navigation experience consistent with Windows Phone 7.
• Includes an option to remove advertisements for a small fee.

Bottom line: Launcher 7 presents an appealing solution for enthusiasts of the Windows Phone platform who utilize an Android device.

Blackberry: BlackBerry Theme for Go LauncherEx [Android 2.0+]

It’s worth acknowledging that I haven’t personally had extensive experience with Blackberry devices. However, this Blackberry theme offers a compelling approximation, and I find it surprisingly well-executed.

Theme Application

As the name suggests, this is specifically designed as a theme for the Go Launcher EX application. Utilizing it requires a three-step process. First, the Go Launcher must be installed. Then, the Blackberry theme itself needs to be downloaded. Finally, the theme is selected within the Go Launcher’s configuration settings.

Visual Transformation

The theme comprehensively alters the appearance of icons, adopting a distinctly Blackberry aesthetic. Furthermore, the default wallpaper is replaced with one more consistent with the Blackberry visual identity.

Typically, I prefer the default Go Launcher theme. With my usual setup, the Google Play Store icon is prominently positioned in the center of the bottom row. Interestingly, while the theme provides replacements for most icons, it leaves the Play Store icon unchanged, resulting in a noticeable contrast.

Customization Options

Users have the flexibility to easily replace this remaining icon with one of the theme’s included alternatives, if desired.

Overall Assessment

Bottom line: Appreciation for the Blackberry theme doesn’t necessitate a fondness for the Blackberry brand itself. It's a well-designed theme for those who enjoy the style.

The theme provides a complete visual overhaul, offering a unique look for Android devices.

Consider this theme if you are looking to customize your Android experience with a classic aesthetic.

Windows 7: Windows 7 GO Launcher EX Theme [Android 1.6+]

Indeed, the claim is accurate. This theme brings the look of Windows 7 to your Android device, excluding the Phone version. While it’s unlikely to convincingly deceive anyone into thinking your device genuinely operates on Windows 7, it serves as an enjoyable theme for enthusiasts.

It could also provide a brief, humorous prank. Like the previously mentioned Blackberry theme, this is designed for Go Launcher, requiring its installation prior to application.

Key Changes

Upon application, the most noticeable alterations will be to the icons and the default wallpaper. The theme package includes a selection of Windows 7 wallpapers.

A minor issue was observed where the central Play Store icon wasn't automatically updated. Manual adjustment was necessary to replace it with the corresponding Windows icon.

Overall Assessment

Bottom line: While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing option, this theme offers a definite element of amusement.

It’s a fun way to personalize your Android device with a familiar interface, even if only visually.

Bonus! Jellybean: Holo Launcher [Android 2.2+]

For users who appreciate their current Android device but desire the features of Jellybean or Ice Cream Sandwich, Holo Launcher presents an excellent solution.

This launcher effectively duplicates the ICS/Jellybean homescreen experience, including the associated icons and a selection of widgets.

Key Features and Customization

While the inclusion of the vibrant ICS wallpaper was anticipated, the launcher currently utilizes the user’s existing wallpaper setting.

The default ICS wallpaper is not directly integrated within the application.

Despite this, Holo Launcher offers extensive customization options.

It allows users to refresh the visual appearance of older devices without compromising the core Android aesthetic.

Expanding the Jellybean Experience

For those seeking a more comprehensive upgrade, exploring additional Jellybean features for their phone is recommended.

This can further enhance the overall user experience.

Overall Recommendation

Bottom line: Combining Holo Launcher with Holo Locker provides a transformative experience, offering a compelling alternative to older interfaces.

Users are likely to find this combination highly satisfactory and will not revert to their previous setup.

Exploring Android Customization

Modifying the visual presentation of my smartphone proved to be a surprisingly enjoyable experience throughout the week. While I may ultimately revert to the familiar interface of Go Launcher with its standard theme, this doesn't diminish the potential for others to explore these options.

The ability to personalize an Android device offers a unique level of control over the user experience. It allows individuals to tailor their phones to reflect their personal preferences.

Further Exploration and Community Input

Will you experiment with the launchers and themes discussed? Are there alternative launchers or themes that you believe can dramatically alter the Android experience?

We encourage you to share your discoveries and insights within the comments section below. Your contributions can help others unlock the full customization potential of their Android devices.

• Consider sharing screenshots of your customized home screens.
• Detail any unique settings or configurations you've implemented.
• Recommend launchers or themes that offer specific functionalities.

Android’s open nature fosters a vibrant community of developers and enthusiasts. This collaborative spirit drives continuous innovation in the realm of customization.