A Nokia division which is not owned by Microsoft has unveiled a new Android launcher app called Z Launcher. The application is a limited pre-beta release right now and is only available via the Z Launcher website, and not via Google Play.
The Nokia Z Launcher app is compatible with smartphones running Android 4.1 or higher, and is not optimised for Android tablets. Nokia is currently testing the Z Launcher on the Google Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 and S5. In order to download this application, you will first have to sign up with your Google account first.
Why was it named the ‘Z Launcher’ ?
The application was named after one of its key features that lets user write a letter in order to search for anything directly from the launcher screen. Nokia calls it ‘Scribble’, a feature that can search anything on the phone “in as little as one second.” With Scribble, users just need to draw the first letter of the search and it finds the related app, contact or task.
What happens after the application has been installed?
Users will see the time, date and one upcoming calendar event at the top of the home screen. With a tap on time will open Android’s clock app and tapping the calendar event will open the Calendar app. Other than that rest of the screen is acquired by few apps, contacts and web pages.
