When Apple presented by Springboard / Launchpad as part of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, I was delighted and hoped that something like this would appear on Windows. Since searching for an application in the Start Menu is time-consuming and often does not find what you would find in 10 seconds, I decided to search the Internet to find a clone of this great utility. After about a month of searching, I discovered an application on DeviantArt called WinLaunch, which caught my attention with its detail and processing. So I decided to download the program and therefore test it after a few months of use.
First run
Once downloaded, there was a choice of 64-bit and 32-bit versions. Since I'm using the 64-bit version Windows 7, I extracted the application files to a random folder in documents. After starting, the tutorial was displayed and then the application itself. WinLaunch offers a choice of three appearance versions within the initial setup – Aero, Lion Blur and No Blur. I consider Lion to be the best, in which the background of the desktop blurs exactly like on OS X and also covers all the icons. However, you need to add icons to the application separately - by dragging them into the entire or reduced window (Press F). This addition is accompanied by an arrival animation. However, there is an icon in the lower corner of the application (+) , which may be known primarily to people who have met Dashboard at least once, or Mission Control. This icon in the case of WinLaunch represents the program's options, in the order Settings, Edit and Exit.
Settings, Editing
The first item - Settings - contains very complex appearance and control options. Just the possibility of running the program independently gives you the choice to use HotCorners, Synaptics (Touchpads with multi-touch support) or keyboard shortcuts. Personally, I prefer the activation in the upper left corner of the screen, but the touch of three fingers on the touchpad is not to be thrown away either. You can move around the sides with either two fingers or the mouse wheel. In this case, my fingers win. In addition, the application supports touch screens, so it can also be used on the upcoming tablet Microsoft Surface.
The appearance settings are huge for a standalone app. You can change practically anything, from font size and icons, to panoramic backgrounds, to the possibility of creating your own translation! However, the application looks stunning in any condition, especially if you like it. The second item - Adjustments - serves to adjust the details of the icons. You can change the data by clicking on this button and then clicking on the icon you want to edit. In addition to the possibility to change the name and path to the file, there is also the possibility to change the icon itself, just choose any .ico file or preferably a transparent PNG.
Practical use, verdict
WinLaunch is a design leader in its field, but it still has its faults. After prolonged inactivity or prolonged use, it may happen that the program crashes, which I noticed especially when opening folders (appearance "Folder" is identical to that on iOS and OS X) or even its startup, which sometimes takes up to 10 seconds. But this is mostly due to a larger number of running programs and time, which affects not least the condition of the hardware. Creating components here is similar to that on iOS – Hold the icon and then drag it to the next one to create a folder that you can rename at any time. Better now, since the base name is “NewFolder". The application is still in beta phase, currently in 0.4.6.0, and the author is pleased to support it with help PayPal. However, this does not change the release of updates, as they will occur once in a while.
- You can download WinLaunch for free here.
Gallery
Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely try it
And the status bar with the clock, battery status, etc. nothing?
It also disappears in OS X, so logically also in Win
thank you very much, I almost fell off my chair because I don't have a mac, but I love it iOS I have to try this - for me you are the best party o apple
na nestI can't install it because I have net frameworks 4.0, but when I downloaded it, it said that the installation is blocked:
KB2468871v2 does not apply, or is blocked by another condition on your computer.
so bad luck
Re: Amnart - how little is enough to be happy :)
after installing net frameworks 4.5 it started for me, but unfortunately it is not possible to add links from the desktop, the only thing that works for me is adding images and creating folders from images
Amnart: press "F" and add them by dragging them into the reduced window ;)
Jaromir MIko: that's exactly what I was trying to do, but when copying it always says an error and the option to end immediately, I don't understand why
great stuff, but I can't delete applications from tial, and I can't click on EDIT :///
Amnart: I know why, and I'm certainly not alone, but I don't want to dig :)
majdy: don't stress me out :D, just don't say that because it's a win :D
Ableton, FL, Vitual DJ, Audacity => the master is a musician :D
Amnart: no, I didn't want to say that at all! :D :D
ocemk: You have to hold the icon like on iOS and a "shaky" screen + (X) will appear above each icon.
EdP: Mostly trancand minihe had techno ;)
I want to ask Mr. Mike when he plans to release the article about changing the Win to Mac skin? :) Thank you