Where Are The Google TV Launchers ? Google TV has come a long way but the options we have in customizing and improving it’s honeycomb-esque GUI are few and far between. Not to say that the stock Google TV launcher is bad, it isn’t, it’s just not exactly my cup of tea either. It looks dated and especially in the beginning it was a bit too sluggish and quirky for my taste. Enter Open Launcher. A simple, light and well thought out Google TV Home Screen Replacement that really makes the TV UI feel a bit more like what we are used to on our hand-held devices. That being said it’s a very new app that will likely evolve over time. Google TV UI design is coming along nicely so it would be nice to see some other launchers become available for Google TV. It’s an app category that has been neglected aside, from the aforementioned Open Launcher which Leon Nichols (ENTERTAILION) did an excellent job on and continues to polish. ( I highly recommend both Open Launcher and Able Remote which you check out at that last link I posted. You can read more on Open Launcher here as well.) Am I whining. Yes maybe a little bit but here’s why.
Open Launcher Home Screen
Launchers Are All The Rage On Android
Developers on the Android small screen have done an excellent job bringing improvements and further innovation to the Android OS. Take for example Apex, Nova ,or Go Launchers, which stick to the script but add a ton of features and innovation to a more standard android launcher concept. How about TSF Mobile shell, Next, Or SPB Shell 3D, which really push the envelope adding innovations, new transitions, animated widgets and various other bells and whistles to the recipe? Something like this for Google TV would be welcomed and appreciated. Google TV could use a dash of creativity and is sorely in need of a visual refresh. What are some of the things you would be open to seeing in updates to existing, or perhaps brand new Google TV launchers. Sound off in the comments. Until then you could always give Open Launcher a spin if you’re looking to add something new to your Google TV experience.
