This Android launcher made my home screen fun again – and I’m using the free version

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Mango Launcher is as enjoyable as Android will get.
• This extremely customizable launcher provides tons of options.
• There is a free model and a Professional model ($10/yearly).

I’ve used a whole lot of Android home screen launchers over time (comparable to Octopi Launcher and AIO Launcher), so many who I’ve misplaced rely. I’ve used extremely minimal ones, those who attempt to do an excessive amount of, and every little thing in between. However one factor that the majority residence display launchers lack is a contact of caprice. 

I would like my telephone to at the least be barely fulfilling to make use of; in any other case, it is simply one other piece of soulless tech I have to get by way of my day.

Ergo, I got down to discover a residence display launcher that might add even the slightest little bit of enjoyable. That search led me to Mango Launcher, and boy, am I glad I discovered it.

Mango Launcher is listed as “minimal and quick,” however I’d argue that whereas it is perhaps minimal, it is actually maximal within the pleasure division. I like to think about Mango Launcher as “unbloated with a contact of pleasure.”

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What brings Mango Launcher this pleasure? For one factor, physics. With sure themes (such because the ready-made Floating theme), the app icons tumble round as you progress your own home. Change from portrait to panorama mode, and the icons tumble to the aspect, which isn’t solely cute, nevertheless it additionally makes these icons simpler to succeed in when holding your gadget with one hand.

Mango Launcher options

First, I’m utilizing the free model of Mango Launcher, which incorporates options like: Premade themes, physics, favourite apps, three totally different app checklist layouts, folders for each residence and drawer, frosted glass, accent colours, icon customizations, font choice, notification badges, and tons of choices. You may entry the choices by long-pressing the house display after which tapping Mango Settings.

For $10/12 months, you get the Professional model, which provides widgets, customized themes, group themes, auto-change wallpaper, customized gestures (together with split-screen gestures), scribble (draw symbols on the display to open an app, web site, or run a tool motion), converse to open apps, digital well-being, and extra.

The characteristic set in Mango Launcher blows away most launchers and can have you taking part in round with customizations for a while. Since I adopted Mango Launcher as my default, I’ve discovered myself continuously fidgeting with the settings to tweak it to perfection.

I have not had this a lot enjoyable on my Android telephone in a very long time.

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In reality, till I began utilizing Mango Launcher, I by no means had app launchers on my display (apart from these within the “dock”). With Mango Launcher (and the Floating theme), I like seeing these launchers tumble round. It additionally occurs to make it simpler to open my apps, with out obstructing no matter wallpaper I’ve chosen for my telephone.

So far as the Android App Drawer is anxious, it behaves as you’ll usually count on; solely the structure of the app icons will differ, relying on the theme you select. Nonetheless, you possibly can change that structure (no matter theme) in Settings > Drawer > App Checklist Type, the place you possibly can select from Checklist, Grid, or Mosaic. 

The Notification Shade is strictly how you’ll count on. The one factor I want you could possibly do with this launcher is customise this characteristic. Sadly, you possibly can’t, and it does stand out. You have created this beautiful customized theme, however whenever you pull down the Notification Shade, it is that very same previous boring shade you have handled all alongside. Why not apply the frosted glass characteristic to this as effectively?

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What extra can I say about Mango Launcher, apart from it is some of the pleasant apps I’ve put in on my Pixel 9 Professional in a while. If you happen to’re seeking to give your Android telephone a kick of enjoyable, look no additional than this residence display launcher. The second you begin customizing this child, you will discover the smile might not depart your face for a while.