When we were contacted to do a review of iLauncher 3.1, we were pretty excited about it. The developers of the software, SBSH Mobile Software, were really impressed with their new software and they wanted us to see why. So when we were offered the chance to test out iLauncher 3.1, we jumped at it. And boy were we impressed with the software. With iLauncher 3.1, you no longer have to take out your stylus to launch applications because their thumb-sized icons make it finger-friendly. What else did we think of iLauncher 3.1?

First Glance

We could not help but notice that iLauncher 3.1 was very similar to Spb’s Pocket Plus that was reviewed just last week. And while they are similar in some areas, there are many differences that set these 2 software apart. For those who are thinking twice about getting Pocket Plus because of all the additional features that they might not need, then iLauncher 3.1 might just be the software for you. They have a trial for you to download and if you are satisfied, licenses go at $14.95 a piece. It works on the WM2003 to WM6 platforms, pretty much all the platforms in the market today. And if you are using a VGA device like the just released Glofiish X800, then you’ll be glad to know that iLauncher 3.1 supports it as well.

Extensive Customization

When I first went into the Options page for iLauncher, I was overwhelmed with the amount of settings I could play with. With such an extensive amount, you might think that a manual was recommended when setting up the software but SBSH has taken it a step further. Instead, when you highlight a setting, a tip will show just above it explaining what the setting is for. Most of the time, this explanation is more than sufficient for me to make the necessary changes but there were times when I had to go with the trial and error mode.

With this huge amount of settings, I am sure everyone will be able to customize their iLauncher to their personal liking. I know I did. However, I am sure the initial set up might be daunting to many users, as they try to get familiar with the software. At the end of the day, you just need to do it once and you can have the outlook that you have always been dreaming off. If the iPhone is the look for you, then you will be glad to know that you can achieve it with iLauncher.

Floating Panels

One thing that bothered me with iLauncher was that I was unable to add Today plug-ins to any tabs. With Today screen real estate being precious to me, I thought this was a major setback for the software. But SBSH must have considered this because they introduced a new technology called Floating Panels with this version of iLauncher. When you have Floating Panels enabled, the contents of your tabs will show on top of your plug-ins, temporarily covering them. Tapping on the tabs again would close the contents and you can see the plug-ins again.

They even took it a step further so that after you launch the shortcut of your choice, Floating Panels automatically minimize and shows you your plug-ins again. So when are done with your applications and go back to your Today screen, you’ll be greeted with all your plug-ins, nestled nicely.

Active Programs

When I first used Windows Mobile, I wished there was a list of active programs that were running so that I could switch between them easily. Sure there was a built-in application (Running Programs) that allowed me to do this but it required too many taps. Over time, I tried other solutions but they all required me to tap and hold to show a list of software. Not really convenient if you asked me.

But with iLauncher, you can have icons of running programs listed in the top bar, pretty much like in the PC version of Windows. And switching between them is pretty easy with just a tap. When it’s time to close them, you can do it from the top bar or using the built-in close button which will be discussed later.

Close Button/Task Manager

No user-interface enhancement is complete without incorporating a close button these days and iLauncher is no different. Like all close button programs I have seen, it has the usual basic functions such as Close, Close All But Active, Close All and Minimize. But with iLauncher’s Close Button, you have a built-in Task Manager as well.

The Task Manager lists all running programs but on top of that, it is also connected to your tabs. All shortcuts that you have listed in each tap is mirrored in here as well. This means that you no longer have to go to the Today screen to launch your shortcuts because the Task Manager allows you to do so from almost any running applications. Just tap and hold on the X button to invoke the context menu and make your selection from there. How convenient!

Special Actions And Applets

These are actions that you commonly do but there are surprisingly no shortcuts for. Actions such as adding a new appointment, task, dialing a favorite number or sending text messages to it are just some of the special actions that iLauncher has. You can add these special actions to any tab, just as you would with shortcuts and files.

And if you are always tweaking your Settings, then you’ll be glad to know that iLauncher has the applets as well that you can add to your tabs. No longer do you have to tap Start, tap Settings, choose the appropriate tab and then select the setting that you want to change. Just choose the appropriate tab and tap on the shortcut to that applet and you can now change your settings in just 2 taps.

Safe Mode

We can all argue the importance of Safe Mode on Pocket PC devices but it does not seem like Microsoft will hear anything about it. When you install a corrupted file or application, it might cause your device to crash and the only solution would be a hard reset. With Safe Mode, you can actually enter your device without launching any application, remove the corrupted file/software, reboot and your device would be back to normal (hopefully).

With iLauncher, you can tweak Safe Mode to always start when you restart your Pocket PC within a certain time frame or to provide that option at every start up. Like a backup program, you hope you’ll never have to use it, but know that when the time comes, you’ll be glad you had it.

Summary

Pros

• Extensive customization, right down to caption, means you can tweak iLauncher to your heart’s desire.
• Makes device more finger-friendly with large tabs and icons.
• Task Manager integrates nicely with Close button to allow easy launching of shortcuts from just about anywhere.
• Running programs at the top of your device means you can easily switch from one to another with just a tap.
• Allows binding to softkeys as well so you can now maximize your device with iLauncher.
• Floating panel works seamlessly and beautifully.

Cons

• Not many icons to choose from for tabs.
• No backlight meter.
• Does not allow addition of Today plug-ins into tabs.
• Caption is sometimes cut off; having automatic height would solve this.

Conclusion

It might not have all the features of Pocket Plus but that’s not a disadvantage to iLauncher if you ask me. That’s because, most of the features it lacks can actually be supplemented by additional software and applications out there and most, if not all of these solutions, are free as well. If you are looking for a great launcher-type software that also makes using your Pocket PC experience so much better, then iLauncher is the program for you. The extensive customization it provides you with means you can tweak it until you get the settings you truly want. If you have yet to give iLauncher 3.1 a go, why not download the trial now? It may just be the best $14.95 you’ve spent all year round.

Tags: commercial software