When it comes to choosing a new Android launcher, the options seem endless. From lesser-known brands like Kvaesitso and Niagara to heavyweights like Nova Launcher, the market is bustling with alternatives to the stock choices. And now, even Yahoo, one of Google’s biggest competitors, has entered the fray with its very own Yahoo Launcher.
A decade ago, Yahoo acquired Aviate, a launcher app brimming with potential due to its unique contextually aware design. Aviate could adapt its app suggestions based on the time of day or location, simplifying the process of finding what you need. While Aviate was ahead of its time, Yahoo Launcher feels somewhat lackluster in comparison.
Here are some key details about Yahoo Launcher and why it may or may not be the right fit for you:
- Yahoo Launcher boasts a sleek and easy setup process, combined with an attractive design that is visually appealing. The icons are sharp and vibrant, avoiding the common pitfall of distorted proportions seen in many other launchers.
- The launcher features a stylish gray/dark blue theme accented with purple Yahoo touches and clean lines, accompanied by a selection of pre-installed wallpapers that span across eight categories. This attention to aesthetics makes it effortless to create an eye-catching home screen.
- Despite being a web services company at its core, Yahoo Launcher strongly emphasizes search functionality. Utilizing the search bar below the dock, users can access apps, conduct generic searches through Yahoo’s web search capabilities, and even solve everyday math problems. While the search system shows promise, it could benefit from more advanced features in the future.
- The left swipe function offers a news feed reminiscent of Google’s feature, displaying weather updates, top stories, and news blurbs from various sources. However, users are limited in their ability to adjust the displayed sources, and tapping on articles opens them in the default browser, disrupting the seamless browsing experience within the launcher window.
As appealing as the aesthetics and design of Yahoo Launcher may be, the performance leaves much to be desired. Users report significant lag, unresponsive actions, and jittery scrolling, making it frustrating to operate efficiently. The widget selection screen is also fraught with glitches, hindering the user experience further.
While Yahoo Launcher shows potential as an aesthetically pleasing option for Android users, the performance issues and lack of functionality indicate that it may not be the best choice at this time. With some optimization and improvements, Yahoo Launcher could become a formidable contender in the launcher market. Until then, there are numerous alternative launchers available that offer better performance and functionality. Yahoo’s foray into launcher development is commendable, but there is work to be done before it can truly compete with the leading options.
